Residents invited to plant trees in Swallows Meadow

Local residents are invited to help plant some new fruit trees at Swallows Meadow in Lower Earley on Saturday 29 March.

The event is being led by Freely Fruity, a local charity that plants wild fruit trees in community spaces, providing free fruit for local residents and a better environment for wildlife. Freely Fruity is donating 50 young fruit trees of various species.

Working with the University of Reading (which owns and manages the space), Earley Environmental Group, Wokingham Borough Council and Earley Town Council, the event will bring together local residents who can help with the planting, learn new skills and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

The event will run from 10am -12pm and meet at the Chatteris Way entrance to Swallows Meadow. People joining the event are encouraged to travel sustainably.

Matt Knight, Co-Founder of Freely Fruity, said: “It’s really important to our charity that we engage local people and organisations, in their green spaces. Planting fruit trees is brilliant for the environment and wildlife. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic resource for residents to learn new skills and help them enjoy their natural surroundings.”

Molli Cleaver, Community Engagement Manager at the University of Reading, said: “We know that Swallows Meadow is a popular walking spot for many local residents. We are extremely grateful to Freely Fruity for donating these trees, and their time, to help enhance this green space even further.

“The event will be a great opportunity to bring people together as we continue to work with the community to nurture this well-loved green space.”

Swallows Meadow is an area of open green space in Lower Earley. It was officially opened to the public in November 2024 after work was undertaken to make the space better signed and more accessible.