A number of fruit trees have been planted on-site at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) as part of a large green initiative planned for the hospital.
Once fruiting, the 34 trees will provide apples, pears and plums, with the hope that staff and visitors will be able to pick their own fruit.
The trees are expected to mature in the next 3 to 4 years.
Stuart Lovack, Associate Director of Estates & Facilities, said: “The outdoor spaces here at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital continues to play an important part in the health and wellbeing of staff, patients and visitors alike. Our aim is always to maintain and develop sustainable environments, outdoor gardens and landscaped areas. The outdoor spaces provide meeting areas, areas for relaxation, contemplation and reflection. I hope all our patrons use and enjoy these beautiful spaces."
Part of the orchard (above)
The trees planted are:
- 27 X fruit trees – apple, pear and plum
- 4 X Hornbeam
- 4 X each of the following (pots): Sarcacocca, Vinca Minor, Heucheras, Vinca Major, Pashysandra, Carex Eversheen
- 1 X Parattia Persica ‘Vanessa’
- 1 X Betula Albofascination
- 1 X Quercus Robur ‘Kosta’
- 1 X Fagus Sylvatica ‘Dawyck’
- 1 X Styrax japonicus ‘June Snow’
- 1 X Amelanchier grandiflora ‘Robin Hill’
Raised beds with 60 herb plants and 12 bird boxes are also planned for the area. If you would like to donate to the project or volunteer your time to help, please contact ROH Charity on 0121 6854379 or email
One of the pear trees planted on-site (above)
Additionally, a sweetgum tree will be planted later this year in honour of The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. With a focus on planting sustainably, the initiative invites individuals, community groups, businesses and others across the UK to plant trees.
As well as planting new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will protect a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.
The project will also create a pilot training programme for unemployed young people aged between 16-24 through Capel Manor College, London’s only specialist environmental college of which The Queen Mother was Patron, to plant and manage trees. The trainees will also be offered 6-month work placements.
