Tree-mendous response as fruit trees are given away
Published Wednesday 16 April 2025Thousands of residents living in the Harborough district have benefitted from the council’s free fruit tree scheme.
From children to a 100-year-old lady, people of all ages have claimed their own apple, cherry, pear and plum maiden trees to plant and enjoy.
Approximately 8,000 trees were given away by Harborough District Council at different locations in Lutterworth, Market Harborough and Scraptoft.
Cat Hartley, Director of Communities and Wellbeing, said: “So many residents have taken advantage of these fruit tree giveaways making it a great success.
“The purpose of the initiative was to serve as a tribute to the 80th anniversary of VE Day, honouring the sacrifices made during World War II and celebrating peace and community spirit. This will also have the direct benefit of increased greening of the whole of our district.”
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.
For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
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