This summer Veolia, in partnership with the community action charity Groundwork, launched a new campaign to help schools blossom with biodiversity and join a national network of orchards.
Since the call went out across the country to sign up, Veolia has donated 500 trees to over 100 primary, secondary and special schools.
By donating these mini orchards to schools, Veolia is placing the power of positive change in the hands of the future guardians of our planet. School children across the country now have the opportunity to plant their very own orchard and learn how to care for them until they bear fruit, providing them with healthy, locally sourced food and nurturing their wellbeing through a reconnection with nature.
Schools across Nottinghamshire were invited to apply for the fruit trees and in the next few weeks, as tree planting season starts, the trees will be delivered to the seven successful schools for them to plant. Successful schools highlighted in their applications how they intended to integrate their trees into a learning programme for their pupils.
Robert Miles Junior School in Bingham is one of the schools receiving the fruit trees and 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. Each tree is 1.2 – 1.5 metres tall. The trees need to have around 5 metres distance between them to allow them to mature. For an orchard of 5 trees an area of approximately 25 square metres is needed. 
Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, says: “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.”
Schools taking part include:
● Newark Orchard School
● Foxwood Academy
● Crescent Primary School
● Healdswood Infant and Nursery
● Carlton Junior Academy
● Robert Miles Junior School
Find out more about the Orchard programme here https://www.veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard
Photo caption: L-R Councillor Neil Clarke, Headteacher Rob Gilbey and Julie Adams from Veolia. Front row pupils are Nathan, Thomas, Freya and Sophia from Robert Miles Junior School