Better Business / Member news
Cidermaker embarks on major orchard giveaway
Community groups across Bristol and Somerset are being invited to apply for free apple trees through Thatchers’ Community Orchard Project.
The award-winning cidermaker Thatchers will donate 500 trees nationwide, with 50 organisations each receiving ten trees and the equipment needed to establish and care for a small orchard.
Now in its sixth year, the scheme has already distributed more than 2,000 trees to community projects across the UK.
Previous recipients in the region include Glenny Wood Scout Camp, Ravenswood Special School in Nailsea, Children’s Hospice South West, Frampton Cotterell Nature Reserve and Portishead Football Club.
Martin Thatcher meeting Emma, Nicky, Elaine and Bethan from Weston Super Mare Cricket Club who received apple trees through the project – photo: Neil Phillips Photo and Film Ltd
The project supports groups using green spaces to bring people together, improve wellbeing, increase access to nature or boost biodiversity.
Martin Thatcher, fourth-generation cider maker, said: “From a single apple tree to a community orchard, it can make such a difference to people’s wellbeing. Orchards are special places that help communities connect with nature while creating new habitats for wildlife.”
Successful applicants will receive ten apple trees, including varieties such as Bramley, Scrumptious, Dabinett and Katy, chosen for their flavour and ease of growing. Groups will also be given planting equipment and a commemorative plaque to mark their orchard.
Community groups across Bristol and Somerset are being invited to apply for free apple trees through Thatchers’ Community Orchard Project – photo: Thatchers
Applications are now open and will close at 8am on February 2. To apply, visit www.thatcherscider.co.uk/thatchers-community-orchard
Thatchers are member of the Bristol24/7 Better Business network, an initiative to help businesses thrive while creating a positive impact on Bristol and the people who live here. As part of their membership, businesses can publish member news stories like this. For more information, visit my.bristol247.com/better-business
Main photo: Thatchers
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