Celebrity chef and GBBO champion, Matty Edgell has announced the opening of this year's Veolia Orchard scheme, inviting schools and community groups in Watford to apply.
Veolia, the UK’s leading resource management company, runs its Orchard scheme in Watford, where it delivers essential recycling and waste collection, street cleansing services and parks maintenance services on behalf of Watford Borough Council. Since 2022, 70 fruit trees and 110 strawberry plants have been planted across 18 schools and 3 community organisations in Watford. Each orchard is part of an environmental network increasing biodiversity in local areas, with the recipients benefiting from access to home-grown produce and hands-on learning through nature.
The launch announcement was made at Beaumont School yesterday, where Veolia celebrated its Orchard Bakes competition, which invited previous orchard recipients to create original recipes inspired by the fruits of their growing orchards. The school in St Albans was crowned the winner for their chutney recipe, made from apples and pears grown in their orchard, donated by Veolia in 2023.
From Monday 21 September to Friday 20 November, schools and other community organisations can apply for their very own orchard. Successful candidates will hear back in December with the delivery of plants taking place in Spring 2027.
Pascal Hauret, Chief Operating Officer, Commercial & Municipal at Veolia said : “The continued growth of Veolia Orchard in Watford reflects our commitment to environmental education and community engagement. For the past five years, we’ve witnessed the transformative power of these green spaces from school playgrounds to care homes and places of worship. With over 700 schools and community groups already flourishing across our nationwide Orchard network, we hope to branch out this season and reach 1000 orchards. Each one represents another step towards a greener, more sustainable future.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said : “It’s fantastic to see Veolia’s Orchard scheme continuing to grow in Watford, helping schools and community groups create greener spaces where people can connect with nature and learn more about the environment. “From growing home-grown produce to supporting local biodiversity, these orchards offer benefits that go well beyond planting trees. I’d encourage schools and community organisations across Watford to take advantage of this opportunity and get involved.”
Each orchard comes with a free limited supply of Pro-Grow, Veolia’s nutrient-rich soil conditioner made from recycled garden waste, to support early growth of the saplings and seedlings. Applicants can also opt for an interactive session with Veolia’s experts, who guide participants through planting whilst sharing insights on the long-term benefits to communities and the environment. For more information and to apply, visit veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard
