Put simply, rewilding is about returning the land to its natural state, but there are many differing opinions about what that might look like across the UK! But in your own growing space, it’s entirely up to you what rewilding means, so take what works for you and make it happen. Even if you just […]
Blog
Manifesting the medicinal orchard
Orchards have always served communities as an integrated resource of produce. Mycorrhizal fungi networks increase a tree’s capacity to defend against harmful diseases and companion planting increases the likelihood of this unification. As we know from Forest Gardening, we are able to design layers of the forest – from shrubbery to tree tops – […]
Pruning with prisoners
“The lads thought chives only came in Pringles crisps!” says John, as we share a hearty lunch of curried lentil soup, chips and cheese rolls, – the same food the prisoners will be tucking into in another building nearby. John works at Thorn Cross (HMP) prison in Cheshire. He’s been supporting the prison’s horticultural training […]
An orchestra in an orchard
Our Edinburgh Project Manager, Chris, opens his ears to the sounds of the orchard in winter. He also considers ideas for community events that will tap into these aural pleasures. What seasonal sounds in January and February, do you associate with your orchard? Is it the rhythmical ‘snip’ of secateurs, as fruit trees are given […]
To Bee or Not To Bee..
by Stephanie Irvine, one of our London Project Managers. We need to talk about honey bees! Many urban community orchards want to keep bee hives, and you can understand why. Honey bees are fascinating creatures, they pollinate your fruit trees and produce delicious honey. What’s not to like? The honey bee (Apis mellifera) is only […]
Diary of a CICO student
Our Certificate in Community Orcharding (CICO) is the UK’s first and only accredited course in community orchards. One of our committed students, Tamasin, has kindly shared her CICO journey with us below. We currently have a course open for registration in South-west London, if you’re considering signing up to the course (info here), her reflections […]
Orchards Against Climate Change: Nature-based solutions
Nature-based solutions (NbS) can play an important role in tackling the climate crisis. It is currently something of a buzzword among environmentalists in fact. In this blog, we unpack how and why NbS help mitigate the impacts of our changing weather patterns, and call for urban community-run orchards to be embraced as an exemplary NbS. What is a nature-based solution? Nature-based solutions (NbS) are actions that work with nature to address societal challenges (such as climate change). It is important that they provide benefits […]
How to set up a charity: in conversation with our co-founder
Carina Millstone is a Co-Founder of The Orchard Project (TOP) and is now an Ambassador. She is a permaculturalist, who first noticed the opportunity for more orchards within London’s environmental movement. Here Carina tells us about what inspired her vision for TOP, how she made it a reality and how you could do the same! […]
10 YEARS AT TOP: a grand anniversary for our London orchard legend, Lewis McNeill
Last month Lewis McNeill celebrated ten years of working at The Orchard Project. Over this time, Lewis has built up a considerable reputation among the London community gardening sector and is well-respected for his impressive knowledge of fruit tree care and permaculture approaches. It’s amazing that Lewis’ passion for community orchards remains as strong as […]
Claybury Orchard – a sanctuary for both wildlife and the mind
This is an orchard report from one of our CICO6 students – Daniel Strangleman. He was asked to gather information about Claybury orchard and produced this lovely personal piece. For more information our CICO course, click here. Claybury orchard lies within Claybury Park and is situated to the south-east of Claybury Woods, an ancient forest […]