Shoebury community orchard grows after 16 apple trees planted

Volunteers and Southend Council's Parks Team planted 16 locally sourced apple trees at East Beach, funded by the Big Sparks Fund; organisers also plan a surrounding native hedge and later pruning training.

A damp Saturday morning did not stop volunteers and council staff from planting a new community orchard at East Beach in Shoebury. Sixteen locally sourced apple trees were added as part of a joint project between Southend Council's Parks Team and the East Beach Residents Association. The work was supported by the Big Sparks Fund. Organisers say the orchard is intended to boost local biodiversity and create a shared green space for residents. Key facts: - 16 apple trees were planted at East Beach to form the beginnings of a community orchard. - The project was a joint effort by Southend Council's Parks Team and the East Beach Residents Association (EBRA). - Funding came through the Big Sparks Fund, which awards local grants via a community "Big Vote" and allocates money across neighbourhoods. - Volunteers worked alongside council staff despite wet weather to plant the young trees. - Plans include a surrounding native hedge to provide habitat, and the trees will be left to establish for two years before council staff return to train residents in pruning and orchard management. Summary: The orchard is intended to strengthen local biodiversity and become a shared green asset for Shoebury residents. The newly planted trees will be left to establish for two years, after which the council's Parks Team plans to offer pruning and orchard-management training to residents. Residents can watch the site develop season by season.