Network Homes marks National Tree Week by planting new community orchard in Northolt
28 November 2019
Local volunteers joined forces with staff from Network Homes to plant 70 trees and 5,000 bulbs creating a new community orchard in Rectory Park, Northolt, to mark National Tree Week. Network Homes has also donated £5,000 to purchase an additional 20 trees as part of a sustainability initiative.
The orchard, which has been planted on unused land owned by Ealing Council, also features a new landscaped lake and will be used to grow fruit and residents of the nearby Rectory Park estate will have the opportunity to look after the orchard.
Network Homes began regenerating the Rectory Park estate in 2011, with completion due in 2020. The housing association is building a total of 449 homes, an increase of 179 homes from the 270 properties that originally existed there. 239 homes will be Shared Ownership and London Living Rent and the remaining 210 will be Affordable Rent which has generated strong demand locally.
Hill, the housebuilders involved in the regeneration project, donated their services to dig the orchard lake and create mounds to enhance the landscape.
Tim Goodwin, Regeneration Manager at Network Homes said: “In tackling any regeneration project, there are always wider neighbourhood needs. This project has been a great opportunity to enhance local amenities for residents, promote our partnership with the new football centre, and enhance the new homes we have provided at Rectory Park.”
“We’re really pleased that through a close partnership with Ealing Council and Hill, the local community and the environment will benefit greatly from this new community orchard. It’s a great addition to the ongoing regeneration of Rectory Park.”
David Gooch, Network Homes Executive Director for Development
