One of the first steps when we encounter a new group is gathering them together for an orchard design session. Rather than dictate what we think a community should plant and where each tree should go, we listen and respond with our expert advice as required. It’s an opportunity for communities to really take ownership of greenspaces. Designing not only a fruitful space but one that compliments
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Biodiversity at its best: The Dulverton Programme
After the successful completion of a year-long programme on biodiversity, Head of Programmes & Operations Ella Hashemi reflects on its impact and challenges. Judging from my local park, people are…
6 Reasons to Plant Fruit Trees
It’s National Tree Week, and that means lots of people are donning their boots to plant whips and saplings. Increasing the UK's tree coverage is vital for carbon capture, cleaner…
The joy to be gleaned in an orchard during lockdown
I am writing this at the start of our November COVID-19 lockdown in England. I try to remember what I did last time round, back in that beautiful spring time, when the unexpected closure…
The Velojuicer – an apple revolution
Here is an in-depth look at the Velojuicer, our pedal-powered apple juicer. A lightweight, mobile, all-in-one machine that scrats, presses, and juices apples using only human power and a bit…
Why you should visit the National Fruit Collection
(…when safe & feasible to). What is Brogdale Collections? Brogdale Collections manages public access to the UK’s National Fruit Collection (NFC) at Brogdale Farm near Faversham in Kent. It is…
Racial Justice and Community Orchards
How does racial inequality manifest within public greenspaces? The accessibility of natural spaces is not just a matter of social status; race matters too. Our CEO and Operations Director reflect…
A (Brief) History of Cider in the UK
The United Kingdom drinks more cider than any other country in the world. In fact, it drinks more cider than all the other countries combined. You could say we like…
Locking-down is Slowing-down: A new, national appreciation for nature’s rhythms?
“The rhythm we adopt when tending to plants is the perfect antidote to the instant gratification and high-speed consumerism rife within our pre-pandemic society.” – Jo Hooper and Nicole Thomas…
Which Bloomin’ Blossom is it? Our guide to blossom timing
We may be spending most of our time indoors at the moment, but there are still opportunities to enjoy spring unfolding its sequence of fruit tree blossom. Whether you’re looking…