The Isle of Wight Steam Railway is supporting biodiversity and developing green spaces with Wight Nature Fund and Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council, by planting a new heritage orchard in their overflow car park at Havenstreet, thanks to funding from The Tree Council’s Branching Out Fund.
Branching Out provides grants ranging from £250 to £2,500 in value, to community groups, schools, small registered charities, and Tree Warden Networks seeking to establish trees, hedgerows, and orchards throughout the winter planting season.
Wight Nature Fund
Local charity Wight Nature Fund, who administer the Isle of Wight Tree Warden network, worked with Isle of Wight Steam Railway to secure grant support through the Branching Out Fund, holding a community planting day on Saturday (7th February 2026), with strong support from local volunteers and volunteers from the Steam Railway.
The Chair of Havenstreet and Ashey Parish Council, Tony Barry, was present, representing the Parish Council’s Tree Warden Scheme and also as a Trustee for the Isle of Wight Steam Railway. Councillor Barry praised the initiative which will enrich the environment, keeping alive local and heritage varieties.
Councillor Glynn Brasington of Bembridge, a Tree Warden for his parish and tree enthusiast, was welcomed to help plant a ‘Howgate Wonder’, a heritage apple variety, raised in Howgate Lane Bembridge in 1915. ‘Howgate Wonder’ holds the record for the variety yielding the heaviest apples in the UK.
The Steyne Seedling
Another important local Bembridge variety planted at the new Havenstreet orchard is ‘Steyne Seedling’, described as juicy and sweet, intensely aromatic and flavourful and raised by Sir John Thorneycroft’s gardener in 1893. It may be four or five years before fruit appears, although the fruit blossom each spring will help attract pollinating insects and improve the visual aspect of the once empty field.
Giving thanks
In spite of the rainy weather, everyone helping was looking forward to a time when the trees provide shade for summer picnics. Wight Nature Fund Chair Steve Cowley said,
“Our thanks go to the Tree Council for funding, everyone who helped in the creation of the orchard and volunteers for their hard work!”
Branching Out
Now in its 18th year, Branching Out has supported hundreds of projects in communities throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, delivering new habitats for wildlife, and a green living legacy for residents and visitors to enjoy across the UK.
The focus is on planting a variety of tree species, bare root, with cardboard or bioplastic protection. Comprehensive advice around the types of trees to plant and the tree protection needed is provided by The Tree Council as part of the application process.
Creaven: We’re so thrilled for all our successful applicant
The Tree Council Grants Officer, Geraldine Creaven said,
“Branching Out presents a fantastic opportunity for schools and community groups large and small to get their spades in the ground and start establishing life-enhancing and biodiversity boosting trees, hedgerows, and orchards in their neighbourhoods.
“We’re so thrilled for all our successful applicants, especially the Isle of Wight Steam Railway!”
To learn more about The Tree Council’s Branching Out Fund, please visit the website.
News shared by Simon on behalf of Wight Nature Fund. Ed
