Winterton Community Orchard: a new green space for all

Hundreds of trees funded by the Humber Forest have been planted in Winterton, North Lincolnshire, as part of a community-led project to develop an orchard. The project was led by Winterton 2022. Formed in 2012 as one of 150 Local Trust ‘Big Local’ areas in England, Winterton 2022 received £1 million in funding to spend in Winterton over 10 years.

Following a public consultation, the decision was made to create more community green space, with fruit growing and nature-based activities. As well as committing to create a great community resource, this decision recognised the area’s agricultural heritage, along with supporting local wildlife.

A total of 450 woodland trees and 86 fruit trees were planted, including apple, plum, cherry, pear, oak, silver birch and wild cherry. Credit: Humber Forest

Partnering for results

Winterton 2022 worked with Humber Forest to develop ideas for the site and Humber Forest provided grant funding for the project. The Conservation Volunteers along with volunteers from the local community and pupils from The Winterton Federation School and Winterton Academy helped to plant the trees.

Kerrie Prowting, Winterton 2022 coordinator, said:

“Working with Humber Forest, North Lincolnshire Council and The Conservation Volunteers has allowed us to really kickstart the community orchard, which would have taken us a much longer time.”

Planting for people, planting for nature

Woodland trees and hedgerows create new habitats, while fruit trees provide a seasonal food source for wildlife, all while enhancing biodiversity. A total of 450 woodland trees and 86 fruit trees were planted for the community orchard, including:

• apple, plum, cherry and pear varieties, ensuring a seasonal fruit supply
• oak, silver birch and wild cherry in the woodland
• 33 heritage fruit trees, local to the region and paid for by Winterton 22
• a 250m native hedgerow, providing habitats and a wildlife corridor.

Volunteers and staff from various partners, and pupils from The Winterton Federation School and Winterton Academy, all came together to create the community orchard. Credit: Humber Forest

A legacy for the future

Through public consultation, local heritage and community collaboration, the Winterton Community Orchard has been created as a lasting, sustainable green space - designed for everyone to enjoy for generations to come.

Be part of the Northern Forest

Want to plant trees? Whether you’re creating new woodland or extending an existing site, you can reap a whole host of extra benefits.

• Boost biodiversity.
• Provide shelter.
• Protect your soil.
• Fight flooding.

Your new trees could be part of the Northern Forest and make a difference for people, wildlife and the environment in the North of England.