A community project in Newquay is being given a boost through a grant delivered by Cornwall Council. 

Newquay Community Orchard, a seven-acre space where education, training and events take place, has received £65,000 to improve access routes through the orchard and to carry out landscaping, including the planting of more than 700 new trees by the community.

It is one of 14 projects around Cornwall that have been given funding as part of a new Council scheme – the Community Infrastructure Levy Fund – as announced in January.

The fund is backing projects that support low-carbon infrastructure.

Luke Berkley, CEO at Newquay Community Orchard, said: "This funding has allowed us to improve access routes throughout Newquay Community Orchard. Now more people can enjoy and explore the urban green space where muddy paths might have once proved difficult for some.

“We've also been able to plant additional trees at the orchard, adding to the native woodland we are creating here. These trees will benefit the area's biodiversity and local community for years to come.

“This scheme has been vital to our continued development and ensuring it remains a low-carbon project.”

Meanwhile, locations along the north coast of Cornwall will benefit from another project to be given money by the CIL Fund.

Our Only World has been given £67,500 to manufacture and place water bottle refill stations at 15 locations across Cornwall, including at Newquay, St Agnes, Wadebridge, Padstow and Perranporth.

Tina Robinson from Our Only World said: “Firstly, this means we can help to reduce single-use plastic going into our environment, whether it’s in our sea, litter or landfill.

“Secondly, it gives us 15 opportunities to collaborate with communities and make links with locals and visitors.

“Thirdly, we have a local supply chain, located from Exeter to Callington, helping us to keep a low carbon footprint. We plan to use recycled plastic, particularly Odyssey Innovation’s recycled fishing nets collected from our Cornish beaches, which demonstrates our circular economy.”

The not-for-profit charity gives any proceeds from its projects to fund marine conservation. 

Anyone who is interested in finding out more can email Tina on ouronlyworld@outlook.com 

Tim Dwelly, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Economy and Planning, said: “Here we have two projects that exemplify what this new scheme was designed to be about. 

“Both are playing their part in a greener future for Cornwall and we look forward to seeing their continued development with the help of this money.” 

Edwina Hannaford, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Neighbourhoods, said: “Cornwall and the Council aim to be net carbon-neutral by 2030 and supporting projects such as these will play a big part in that – having a positive impact on both their communities and the environment.” 

Since January 2019 the Council has been charging developers the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) as a way to reduce any potential adverse cumulative impacts resulting from new housing and other building projects.  

CIL payments are set aside to be spent on infrastructure projects to benefit communities and support development. Between 15 to 25 per cent of the levy goes to the town or parish council where the development has taken place.  

Last summer the Council invited organisations to bid for a slice of £500,000 to pay for infrastructure projects that encourage greener and healthier lifestyles. 

Now the process has been completed, the total support provided by the CIL Fund could rise to £622,939, depending on whether some projects secure match-funding from elsewhere.