Schools and community groups across Solihull are being invited to apply for free fruit trees and strawberry plants as part of an environmental scheme.

The Veolia Orchard scheme opened for applications on Monday, September 21, with schools and community organisations able to apply for five fruit trees or 10 strawberry plants.

The scheme has been running in Solihull since 2022, with 20 fruit trees and 20 strawberry plants planted across six local schools so far.

Veolia, which provides recycling and waste collection, street cleansing and ground maintenance services on behalf of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC), said the orchards are designed to help boost biodiversity while giving communities access to home-grown produce.

The initiative was launched by Great British Bake Off winner Matty Edgell at Beaumont School, where Veolia also celebrated its Orchard Bakes competition.

The competition saw previous recipients create recipes using fruit grown in their orchards, with Beaumont School in St Albans winning for its apple and pear chutney.

Pascal Hauret, Veolia's chief operating officer, commercial and municipal, said the scheme had seen more than 700 schools and community groups join its nationwide network.

He said: "The continued growth of Veolia Orchard in Solihull reflects our commitment to environmental education and community engagement.

"For the past five years, we've witnessed the transformative power of these green spaces from school playgrounds to care homes and places of worship.

"With over 700 schools and community groups already flourishing across our nationwide Orchard network, we hope to branch out this season and reach 1,000 orchards."

Cllr Ken Hawkins, SMBC's cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said the scheme would give local groups the chance to connect with nature and grow their own fruit.

He said: "By planting your own trees, you will also be contributing to our Planting Our Future initiative, helping to make Solihull a greener, healthier place to live, one tree at a time.

"I would encourage as many schools and community groups in Solihull as possible to take advantage of this offer."

Applications are open until Friday, November 20, with successful applicants expected to be contacted in December.

The trees and strawberry plants will then be delivered in spring 2027.

Each orchard also comes with a limited supply of Pro-Grow, a soil conditioner made from recycled garden waste, to help support the plants during their early growth.

Groups can also request an interactive session with Veolia experts, who can provide guidance on planting and information about the environmental benefits of the orchards.

Applications can be made through Veolia's Orchard scheme.