Community Orchard

In 2023, the Society launched an environmental and wellbeing initiative that aims to benefit nearly 200 communities across Scotland and the north of England. ‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ and ‘Lakes & Dales Community Orchard’ provides funding for the planting of fruit trees and bushes in the areas served by Scotmid and Lakes & Dales Coop. Groups near each store are encouraged to apply for funding to plant five or more plants in a community space. The initiative awards up to £200 to each successful applicant to fund the purchase of plants. The aim is to encourage people to work together to increase physical activity and improve local environments.

Orchards offer opportunities for volunteering, learning new skills, creating habitats for wildlife, and producing an array of edible produce. This initiative is part of the Society’s commitment to promoting green spaces and let nature thrive.

Following the first round of applications, hundreds of trees have already been planted. Recipients have been invited to join a community group on Facebook where members share tips, stories and photos. We particularly enjoyed seeing this timelapse of Broomhouse Community Orchard coming to life with 19 fruit trees!

Advice & Resources: https://scotmid.coop/orchardadvice/

We are still seeking applications from groups in the communities listed below:

AB21, AB22, AB30, AB43, AB44, AB45, AB56

DD10, DD4 DD6 8, DG2, DG7

EH11 1, EH11 2, EH12 7, EH12 8, EH13 9, EH14 7, EH15 1, EH16 5 EH16 6, EH17 7, EH28 8, EH29 9, EH3 5, EH3 9, EH32 9, EH4 1, EH4 6, EH4 7, EH47 9, EH48 1, EH48 2, EH5 1, EH5 2, EH53, EH51 0, EH53 0, EH54 5, EH54 8, EH6 8, EH7 4, EH7 5, EH9

FK2 8, FK 4 1, FK5 4, FK6 5

G32 0. G44 3, G44 5, G52 3, G61 1, G61 4, G64 1, G64 4, G66 2, G66 3, G66 8, G71 5, G71 6, G72 0, G72 9, G74 3, G75 0, G78  8, G76 0, G76 7 G78 2,

G81 2, G82 4, G83 0

IV14, IV8, IV9

KA1 3, KA3 1, KA3 7

KY11 1, KY12 8, KY12 9, KY6 2

ML1 4, ML1 5, ML11 0, ML3 8, ML3 8, ML5 1, ML5 5, ML6 7, ML7 5, ML8 4, ML8 5, ML9 2

PH11 PH 13

Community Grants

Up to £500 for kit, events or fundraising.

Member Choice Awards

Up to £5,000 to spend on large-scale projects.

Community Orchard Funding

Up to £200 to buy fruit bearing shrubs or trees.

Voucher Donations

Support for events or help with fundraising