We’re giving away 500 apple trees to 50 groups across the country, helping them sow the seeds of their own thriving community orchards.

Now in its sixth year, the Thatchers Community Orchard Project has already given away over 2,000 trees and plans to give away 500 more this year, offering groups the chance to transform their outdoor areas.

We’re looking for 50 community groups who are doing wonderful things in their local area that would benefit from planting, growing and tending to their own orchard.

Whether you’re growing fruit and veg for those in need, supporting people with limited access to green spaces, using nature to boost mental health, or simply want to bring more trees into your neighbourhood, this is your chance to get involved.

Selected groups will receive ten carefully chosen apple trees, from varieties like Bramley, Scrumptious, Dabinett, and Katy, plus all the essentials for planting and care. They will also receive a commemorative plaque to mark the establishment of the orchard. Our expert team have picked the apple varieties for their delicious flavours, as well as being easy growing and needing minimal upkeep.

Martin Thatcher said: “We believe orchards are special places that have the power to give communities a place to come together, to learn, to share, to connect with nature and reflect on the world around them, all while contributing to biodiversity and creating new habitats for wildlife.

“At Thatchers’ home on Myrtle Farm we’re surrounded by 550 acres of orchards. Spending time in them is something we are lucky enough to enjoy, and we want to share that with others. If you think you and your community could benefit from planting, growing and tending to a small orchard, we’d love to hear from you.”

The Thatcher family has been making cider at Myrtle Farm in Somerset using traditional methods for four generations. They’re passionate about what they do, and that’s why they don’t just grow 8 types of apple, they grow 458. Turning those juicy apples into a refreshing pint of cider is a craft they’ve spent 121 years perfecting. It’s their dedicated attention to detail that delivers the perfect pint of Thatchers, every time.

They’ve used their expertise and knowledge of apple varieties to create ciders with individual character and great taste, such as Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze and Thatchers Katy – a single variety cider made using just the delicious Katy apple which many of the community groups will receive.

Applications are now open and will run until 8am on 2 February 2026. Head to the Community Orchard page to fill in the form and share with us how an orchard could benefit your group.