Inside the £50k plan to transform parts of Oldham into beautiful fruit orchards

An unassuming field at the end of Granby Street in Chadderton will soon be unrecognisable as it is transformed into a lavish fruit orchard this Saturday.

After winning a £50k government grant, a team of community groups, local councillors and Oldham Council’s environment workers have hatched a plan for four new community gardens in the borough, with Granby Street becoming the first.

Granby Street Orchard in Chadderton

Local nonprofit Northern Lily CIC is hosting an event to plant trees on the plot this Saturday (March 16) at 10 am.

The orchard will be home to apple, pear and plum trees, greengage, quince and nut bushes.

Councillor Holly Harrison

Councillor Holly Harrison, who helped launch the project, said: “I think it’s really important to have these community spaces that bring people together for different activities – and get some free fruit along the way!

“It’s also about teaching children where fruit comes from.

“There’s nothing more precious than children being able to see where their food comes from, to pick their own and be involved in nature.”

The group has picked out relatively big trees, so residents can expect their first harvest this year.

“I cannot wait to bake an apple crumble with fruit just picked from a tree!” said Coun Harrison, a keen gardener who has represented Chadderton South since May 2023.

Northern Lily

Other events, led by Northern Lily, will include workshops on pruning, grafting, juice making, and activities like blossom picnics and harvests.

You can find out more about Northern Lily by clicking here

The non-profit nature group also noted the environmental benefits of the project.

The orchard “will also serve as essential foraging habitats for birds, as well as various invertebrates,” they posted on social media, and “by planting and caring for these trees, we’ll strengthen our connection to the land and each other.”

King’s Community Heritage Fund

The planting and maintenance is being financed by the King’s Community Heritage Fund, a £2.5 million government program supporting tree planting to commemorate King Charles III’s coronation.

The “Coronation Community Orchard” in Chadderton South received the maximum amount of funding – £50k.

Coun Harrison said: “I am thrilled that our plans for a King’s Coronation Orchard have come to fruition.

“Besides bringing nearly £50,000 investment into Chadderton, we all know the importance of open spaces and the strength of community spirit from the COVID days.

“With events planned through the year, I am certain it will be a fantastic addition to Chadderton South.”

Three more sites are being picked for community orchards, though the exact locations are undecided as of yet.