The apple trees were donated by a local resident who won them in a Thatchers Community Orchard competition and kindly gifted them to us so they could be enjoyed by visitors to Coney Meadow.
Coney Meadow
Coney Meadow is a valued wetland nature reserve, home to a rich mix of habitats including reedbeds, wet grassland, and wildflower areas. This diverse landscape provides an important refuge for species such as reed warblers, sedge warblers, dragonflies, butterflies, and a variety of amphibians, making it a favourite spot for birdwatchers and walkers seeking a peaceful stretch of countryside close to Droitwich Spa and Worcester.
The new community orchard will add to this appeal by offering free, seasonal fruit for local people, creating a welcoming space for boaters and visitors to enjoy, and encouraging more people to connect with nature.
The orchard planting follows recent towpath improvements delivered jointly by us and Wychavon District Council along the Droitwich Canal. The works have upgraded well‑used sections of towpath with a more durable, all‑weather surface, improving accessibility for boaters, walkers, cyclists, and those with mobility needs.
These enhancements form part of wider efforts in Worcester to encourage active travel, support local tourism, and ensure the canals remain welcoming and easy to use throughout the year.
A fantastic haven for wildlife
Shaun Pope, our ecologist, said: “Coney Meadow is already a fantastic haven for wildlife, and these apple trees will hopefully attract even more local people and wildlife to the canal.
“A recent visit confirmed that the young orchard is settling in well, with several trees already in full flower. As they mature, the orchard will provide food and shelter for wildlife while giving local people a place to enjoy fresh fruit straight from the trees.
“What’s special is how the orchard creates a shared space for the whole community, somewhere families can explore together, schools can learn about nature, and neighbours can feel proud of something growing on their doorstep. It’s a simple addition that brings real benefits for both nature and the community, helping people feel even more connected to this beautiful canalside location.”
A simple but lovely idea
Matt Nicol, who led the application and is former chair of the Droitwich Spa place board, said: "This started with a local resident coming to me with a simple but lovely idea, and it grew from there. I wrote the application around the health corridor work that had been undertaken, making the case that a community orchard would build on those improvements and give people one more reason to get outdoors and enjoy this stretch of the canal. I am grateful that Thatchers agreed it was a worthy project and donated the trees.
"Coney Meadow was the obvious home for them. It means boaters, families, and wildlife will all benefit, and it leaves something growing here that the whole community can share for years to come. It is exactly the kind of legacy the health corridor was meant to create."
