Can you help orchards and trees branch out across Sutton?

Sutton is one of the greenest boroughs in London, but we can all help make it even greener by planting our own trees and fruit!

This week the Council’s waste & street cleaning contractor, Veolia, launched its latest orchard programme for Sutton residents, community groups and organisations. 

The scheme has enriched school playgrounds nationwide since 2022 and the places which can apply is expanding this year to include care homes, prisons, community centres and churches to help more communities in Sutton connect with nature. 

The latest expansion of the Veolia Orchard programme aims to build on its popularity up to now. Previously, the scheme extended to include applications for strawberry plants, as well as trees - a step that ensured Sutton schools with limited outdoor space could also participate. 

Sutton’s Veolia Orchard now stands at 10 fruit trees and 60 strawberry plants at eight schools. They are part of a nationwide family of 1,500 fruit trees and 1,900 strawberry plants, with each school joining an environmental network to encourage sustainable practices and outdoor learning. 

Schools and other educational and social facilities can now apply until Friday 7 November for either five apple or pear trees or ten strawberry plants. Successful applicants will hear back from Monday 1 December with the delivery of plants taking place in spring 2026. Applicants can also opt for an interactive session with Veolia’s experts, who will guide participants through the planting stage while educating them on the long-term benefits to the community and environment. 

For more information and to apply, visit veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard

Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment & Sustainable Transport Committee, said:
“This is a wonderful way for Sutton’s children to learn about how fruit grows and where it comes from while also making it happen. It will also help children to eat healthily.

“We are already one of the greenest boroughs in London and the Council has planted a record number of trees. Now we are working with our contractors to do even more for our residents. 

“These new plants and orchards in Sutton schools will also play an important part in helping the borough take action on climate change and increase our biodiversity even more for the future.”

Pascal Hauret, Municipal Managing Director at Veolia, said: 
“The expansion of the Veolia Orchard scheme to reach adults, as well as children, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to environmental education and biodiversity. 

“Since 2022, we’ve seen remarkable success in the schools we’ve visited and now we’re ready to nurture green spaces in universities, colleges, prisons and SEND centres. With 10 trees and 60 strawberry plants already thriving in Sutton, we’re one step closer to a sustainable future for us all.’’