A number of local organisations have secured funding to plant community orchards.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead recently received a £27,000 boost via the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' Coronation Living Heritage Fund.

This fund was established to mark King Charles III's coronation, and supports good causes and community enhancement.

A number of local groups have applied to use the funding to plant their own orchards, for the enjoyment of the general public.

Among those getting an orchard are Nature's Haven - which intends to plant at the Maidenhead Community Centre - Trevelyan Middle School and Braywood Memorial Hall in Fifield.

Other successful applicants include the Boyn Grove Allotments, the Odney Club, Cookham Parish Council and Thames Hospice.

Councillor Karen Davies, the Royal Borough's cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who applied for funding, and congratulate those who have been successful.

"We have chosen wonderful projects, and I'm looking forward to seeing the orchards planted and residents and visitors enjoying them.

"This project not only supports our climate change and biodiversity ambitions, but is a fantastic way to get the community involved in a fun and healthy activity.

"We've planted more than 20,000 trees around the borough in the last few years, but we want to expand this and offer more residents the chance to get outdoors and make a positive contribution to their environment, while also learning more about wildlife and conservation - and the upcoming plantings will provide the perfect opportunity.

“We know from historical data that, as a borough, we have lost many of our ancient orchards, along with the cultural value and niche habitats they offer.

"This project can act as a counterweight to that decline, and gives us the opportunity to improve our environment for people and nature.

"Planting trees helps to sequester carbon dioxide, enhances biodiversity, and creates green spaces for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

"The borough is the lead authority for Berkshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy, and this scheme can align with that emerging strategy, helping us to promote habitat creation."