Veolia donate 500 fruit trees as part of national orchard campaign in partnership with Groundwork, with seven schools across Nottinghamshire to benefit including in Newark and Bingham

A new orchard campaign has been donating fruits trees to schools to help them blossom.

Service company Veolia organised the campaign in partnership with the community action charity Groundwork with the aim of boosting biodiversity in schools and having them join a national network of orchards.

Since the launch of the scheme this summer, over 500 trees have been donated to over 100 primary, secondary and special schools across the country.

Schools were invited to apply for the fruit trees, highlighting in their applications how they intended to integrate them into a learning programme for their pupils.

Seven schools from across Nottinghamshire were successful and will have trees delivered over the coming weeks as tree planting season starts.

Robert Miles Junior School in Bingham is one of the schools receiving fruit trees and an education pack.

Headteacher, Rob Gilbey, says: “We’re delighted to be part of this programme. It is very important for our pupils to have access to nature and we know that it improves learning as well as well being.

"Children thrive outdoors and we are looking forward to growing fruit and learning all about trees and their eco systems.

"We are very fortunate to have a beautiful nature area on our school grounds which is a perfect location for our new fruit trees.”

Each orchard of up to five trees, is intended to become a learning resource for pupils, empowering them to improve their local environment and combat climate change.

The trees will be 1.2 to 1.5 metres tall and will need to be distance around 5 metres apart to allow them to mature.

Steven Newman, general manager for Veolia Nottinghamshire, said: “The extraordinary response to the Veolia Orchard campaign highlights how important trees are, not just for the environment but for the positive impact they have on the education and wellbeing of school children in our local communities.

"We’re delighted to be partnering with Groundwork and all the teams look forward to helping this national network of orchards take root.”

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet member for transport and environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “These trees will provide a great resource for schools. Children love being outdoors so we hope that these mini orchards give them an extra opportunity to learn outside and get their hands dirty.

"It’s also important that children learn and understand more about how the food they eat is grown. It’s great that schools can use the programme to nurture new skills for their pupils and take positive action for their communities.”

Schools taking part include:

● Newark Orchard School

● Foxwood Academy

● Crescent Primary School

● Healdswood Infant and Nursery

● Carlton Junior Academy

● Robert Miles Junior School