A new community orchard is going to be created in Newham and residents are invited to help make it happen.
There will be 20 fruit and nut trees planted in New Beckton Park as a result of a partnership between Newham Council, Trees for Cities and Secret Cinema.
The trees will be planted during April by Trees for Cities and the local community. Three trees will be planted with primary school children, with the remaining 17 planted during a community planting day on Saturday 6 April. The event will take place between 10am and 3pm at New Beckton Park, where residents will be invited to get stuck in with the planting.
A consultation took place at Beckon Globe Library to decide which trees would be planted. Apple, pear, plum, mulberry, hazel and damson were among the most popular selections.
Councillor James Asser, assistant cabinet member for environment and sustainable transport, said: “The new community orchard will not only improve the environment in Newham but also give residents the chance to forage for their own fruit in the future.
“It will provide a local source of fruit that can help local children learn about planting and growing their own food and that Beckton residents and future generations will be able to enjoy.”
The community orchard was made possible thanks to the support of Secret Cinema. The project was also funded by Newham Council.
This project is in line with the Council’s ambition to tackle air pollution and improve air quality by creating green places.
David Elliott, chief executive of Trees for Cities, said: “We’re delighted to work with Newham Council and Secret Cinema to create this new orchard. The trees will be a great asset to green spaces in the borough, providing a sustainable source of healthy food, and somewhere to roam and relax.”
Carly Morell, operations director at Secret Cinema, said: “During every Secret Cinema production we run a community programme, partnering with a charity to raise much needed funds for local projects. Trees for Cities is a wonderful charity and was the beneficiary of our fundraising last year. It’s fantastic to see the community orchard come to fruition.”
To sign up for the planting day, visit www.treesforcities.org/newbecktonpark.