Veolia's successful Orchard initiative is reaching new heights in 2024, welcoming five additional schools across Northern Ireland and Ireland to its growing environmental education program.
Following its successful launch in England in 2020 and Irish expansion in 2023, the initiative continues to flourish.
Five new schools joined the Veolia Orchard family in December 2024
Woodburn Primary School, Co. Antrim
Scoil Nioclais, Co. Cork
Lusk National School, Co. Dublin
Saint Patrick's Cavan, Co. Cavan
Church Hill National School, Co. Kilkenny
The program's core mission involves providing native fruit trees to local schools, enabling them to establish their own orchards. This innovative approach serves the dual purpose of enhancing student well-being while fostering environmental stewardship among young learners.
Each participating school receives five native apple trees, sourced from the prestigious Irish Seed Savers Association, known for their certified organic heritage apple tree cultivation. The program integrates seamlessly into school curricula, offering valuable lessons in biodiversity, native flora and fauna, and environmental stewardship.
Beyond immediate educational benefits, these orchards will provide fresh, healthy produce for schools while creating vital wildlife habitats. The initiative's success has prompted plans for continuation, with the next planting season scheduled for 2026.
This expansion represents our ongoing commitment to supporting local communities across Northern Ireland through our Veolia Connect programme, demonstrating how environmental initiatives can create lasting positive impact in educational settings.
