Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council plants 31 trees across five community orchard sites

The event saw the planting of 31 trees across five community orchard sites in Welwyn Hatfield, including Beehive Green, Woodhall community orchard, Alban Way (Branch Close), Alban Way (Ground Lane), and Comet Road/Talbot Road.

The event was organised by the council as part of its Tree Warden project and aligned with the University of Hertfordshire’s Sustainability Day to encourage students to get involved. The species and varieties of trees planted included apple (Core Blimey and Chivers Delight), pear (Humbug), plum (Mirabelle Gypsy) and peach (Pineapple). The contracted tree planting team from Maydencroft assisted with the planting.

This latest initiative follows the recent planting of 20 Lobel Elm trees and is part of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s wider Tree and Woodland Strategy. The strategy aims to secure a long-term future for the borough’s trees and woodlands and provide management and protection for generations to come.

Cllr Sandreni Bonfante, Executive Member, Environment, who attended the event, said:

“We are delighted to have planted these trees as part of our ongoing efforts to enrich our local environment. The community orchards offer an excellent place for people to relax, work, and learn. They are a way of reviving an interest in traditional horticultural skills as well as enabling people to engage with nature and gain an understanding of where their food comes from.”