Bradford District is set to celebrate a major milestone this winter with the planting of its 50th community orchard.
Social enterprise Fruit Works Co-operative, in partnership with Bradford Council, has been working for years to help communities across Bradford, Shipley, and Keighley plant and maintain fruit trees. This January and February, 10 new orchards will be created in Allerton, Bowling, Queensbury, Bierley, Farcliffe, and Keighley.
This initiative is funded by Living Well, a programme led by the Council’s Public Health team and the NHS Bradford and Craven Health and Care Partnership, alongside local stakeholders and community groups. The aim is to support people in improving their physical and mental wellbeing.
This work is funded by Living Well
Community orchards not only make spaces greener but also provide opportunities for residents to grow their own fruit, promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections.
Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said:
“These community orchards help make fruit growing accessible to more people, bringing green space to areas and the benefits of healthy food. Fruit Works are doing a great job supporting local volunteers in planting and teaching them how to care for the trees.”
Alan Thornton, from Fruit Works Co-operative, added:
“We’ve worked with thousands of people across Keighley, Shipley, and Bradford to grow more fruit. Our goal is for everyone to be within 20 minutes of a community food-growing space.”