Warwickshire County Council is "thrilled to announce" the planting of the county's first two community orchards.

The community orchards were planted at the Saltisford Canal Centre in Warwick and Upper Lighthorne Parish in Stratford-on-Avon earlier this month.

The project at Saltisford Canal Centre was a collaborative effort involving local volunteers, site manager Maria Freeman, and trustee Jo Lodge, with guidance from Tara Higgs, Assistant Ecologist at Warwickshire County Council.  

Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder for environment, climate and culture, expressed her enthusiasm for the project:  "This is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together and create a lasting legacy for future generations.

"These orchards will provide beautiful spaces for residents to enjoy while contributing to a more sustainable Warwickshire.

"They reflect our commitment to enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and creating a county that is not only beautiful but also resilient and sustainable." 

A representative of the Saltisford Canal Centre commented: "Thank you to Warwickshire County Council for instigating the establishment of a new community orchard at the Saltisford Canal Centre, Warwick. This was made possible with funding from the Coronation Living Heritage Fund to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III. 

"As a charitable trust, we are delighted to be part of the scheme. Overseeing the project was site manager Maria Freeman and trustee Jo Lodge. Planting was carried out by volunteers from the local community, ably assisted by Tara Higgs, Assistant Ecologist at Warwickshire County Council." 

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