Our free Consultant Development Programme (CDP) training programme has been designed to equip participants with the skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to work as freelance orchard consultants for The Orchard Project and other organisations.
By the end of the programme, successful participants will be better prepared to deliver activities such as:
- Leading pruning workshops
- Surveying orchard sites
- Supporting orchard creation and restoration projects
- Teaching on our Certificate in Community Orcharding (CICO) course
- Advising communities and organisations on orchard management
The vast majority of last year’s cohort went on to do paid work for The Orchard Project. While we expect to offer work opportunities for many graduates of the programme, we cannot guarantee future consultancy work.
What the programme includes
The programme combines online learning, practical training and supported work experience. Participants will have access to:
- In-person training sessions
- Online learning sessions
- Work shadowing opportunities
- First aid training
- Teaching practice opportunities
- Access to our online learning platform
- Peer support and networking opportunities
- Ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities
The programme is designed to be flexible. Some training sessions will be mandatory, while others may be selected according to individual interests, experience, and development needs. Learning pathways can also be tailored to individual goals. For example, participants interested primarily in teaching on the Certificate in Community Orcharding (CICO) course can focus on developing teaching-related skills.
Training topics
Training may include:
- Orchard care and maintenance
- Pruning
- Grafting
- Site surveying and feasibility assessment
- Habitat management
- Biodiversity monitoring
- Orchard leader training
- Event planning, coordination and delivery
- Presentation and facilitation skills
- Communication and reporting
- Risk assessment
- Relationship management with communities and local authorities
- Introduction to business administration, tax and insurance for freelancers
Additional learning opportunities may also be offered based on participant needs.
Time commitment
Participants should expect:
- Four or more full-day in-person training sessions (all on weekends)
- Approximately eight online evening sessions (around 90 minutes each)
- Work shadowing opportunities at community events and training days
- Independent preparation and reflection between sessions
Depending on the geographical spread of participants, training locations may vary.
Our current programme is expected to run from October 2026 until the end of February 2027.