Free fruit trees and strawberry plants offered to Solihull schools and community groups

Schools and community groups in Solihull can apply for free fruit trees or strawberry plants as the Veolia Orchard scheme opens for 2026.

Applicants can request either five fruit trees or 10 strawberry plants. The deadline is Friday 20 November 2026, with successful applicants due to hear back in December and deliveries planned for spring 2027.

The scheme is intended to give schools and community organisations space to grow food and involve people in practical outdoor learning.

How to apply

Applications and further details are available on Veolia's Orchard webpage. The national scheme asks applicants to check the participating areas and eligibility information before submitting a request.

Veolia provides the fruit trees and plants free of charge. Its guidance also asks applicants to consider whether they have room for five trees or a small orchard. Sites with less space can consider the strawberry-plant option instead.

Solihull Council says 20 fruit trees and 20 strawberry plants have been planted across six local schools since 2022.

This year's national launch involved chef and Great British Bake Off winner Matty Edgell. The launch took place at Beaumont School in St Albans, not at a Solihull school.

Solihull's cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, Cllr Ken Hawkins, encouraged local schools and community groups to take up the opportunity.

Source: Solihull Council's 7 October announcement and Veolia Orchard application guidance.