Swaffham's Community Orchard Project

We’re excited to share that Swaffham Town Council has received £3,055 funding from the Norfolk Community Foundation for the first stage of our Community Orchard Project. This phase will focus on pruning the existing trees and converting eight railway sleepers into bee hotels to support local pollinators, encourage biodiversity and promote sustainability within the orchard.

This marks the first step in our wider plan to redesign and revitalise the orchard — creating a welcoming, accessible and environmentally sustainable green space for everyone in Swaffham to enjoy.

Next Steps:

• Secure additional funding to continue the orchard’s redesign and planting improvements.

We have submitted an application to the National Lottery Community Fund for £60,000. We’re delighted to let you know we have moved into the second round of funding.

• Host community open days and consultations so residents can see our plans, share their ideas, and help shape the orchard’s future.
• Create a volunteer group to support the orchard’s care, planting and community activities.
• Carry out the improvement works, enhancing accessibility, increasing biodiversity and providing opportunities for people to enjoy locally grown produce.

This is a truly community-led and sustainable project, and we look forward to working with residents and local partners to bring new life to Swaffham’s orchard — helping it blossom into a thriving space for nature, wellbeing and connection.

If you’d like to get involved, share your ideas, or help out with the orchard, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with us.