The Orchard Project collaborated with Hawkes Cidery in previous years to maximise the impact of the fruit donation scheme within London. Watch this space for our latest collaboration to reduce food waste!
We are no longer producing our flagship Local Fox cider range – more information about our Hawkes collaboration can be found in the following blog article:
Local Fox archive
Drink Local, Save Orchards
Local Fox cider was made from 100% rescued fruit, otherwise destined for compost. We pressed in small batches, using the traditional rack-and-cloth method, with the juice naturally fermenting over winter. All of the profits were channelled back into buying tools and providing training for community orchards!
Impact of our Local Fox Cider
Grassroots innovation to reduce food waste: 45 tonnes of apples rescued and made into delicious drinks.
Giving back: Individuals and community orchards who donated fruit were given cider, tools or training on fruit tree care in return. 17 orchards were involved, and over £16,000 given back.
Orchard preservation: It was not-for-profit with all proceeds used to help us and our volunteers plant and restore London’s lost orchards and train and empower local communities in orchard skills.
Keeping London wild: Through our products, orchard restoration and community events, we increased the orchards’ value and helped to reduce the threat of development.
Community powered: 1300 volunteers trained and engaged – bringing people of all ages and backgrounds together to learn and share ideas, experiences and skills at over 171 events.
Connecting communities: with nature, each other and themselves – helping to make everyone happier and healthier!
Celebrates our heritage: Local Fox Cider contained some of London’s 34 heritage apple varieties.
A big thank you to The Heritage Lottery Fund and lottery players who through their funding have helped make all this possible.
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Do you believe that community orchards can be transformative? That they change places for the better and bring people together?