How to set up a resilient community orchard

The workshop will cover the basics of how to set up a community orchard. How to set up a Resilient Community Orchard The workshop will cover the basics of how to set up a community orchard from scratch and look at aspects and resources needed to manage a community orchard longer term. Community orchards often do best when they are inspired, organised and managed by the community. More and more town and parish councils across Cornwall recognise this and are keen to support local people using community spaces for food growing whilst also improving biodiversity. Participants will go away equipped with ideas, inspiration and an understanding of the steps needed to set up a community orchard where they live in Cornwall. Community orchards are about more than just food growing & biodiversity, they empower residents to get together to organise practical and social sessions and discuss what they'd like to see in their green spaces. It's a chance to connect with each other and nature and do something that is positive whether that is planting, growing, learning , harvesting and celebrating locally grown food. The workshop will include a combination of classroom time, some simple games and group work and a visit to a community orchard. If you have already started the process to create a community orchard then you are welcome to bring any photos, or information along with you to discuss altogether. Your facilitators will be Meike Weiser and Michelle Lawson both of whom have planted community orchards in Cornwall and elsewhere. They have also advised others too. Both are passionate about helping to renew our orchard landscape and habitat across Cornwall and that includes in our local communites, to boost biodiversity, local food supplies and as places for local residents to enjoy. Issues we will discuss are: • Site surveys - suitability for planting, size, aspect, access, underground services, designations etc, soil • land ownership, leases & agreements • sourcing fruit trees and how to go about choosing species and varieties • funding for your orchard • soil, location, shelter belts & water harvesting • getting a group of people together • involving the local community • what equipment is needed Participant cost: £35 It is worth contacting your local town and parish council to see if they would support your attendance at this workshop by paying for a place and to inspire the setting of a local group to develop a community orchard. We have forwarded the details to local councils too. The workshop will be based in the horticultural building at Victoria Park, Redruth, which is close to Trefusis Park. The building is home to both Food Troops CIC and Cormac. We will be visiting at least one community orchard. Getting here Train: The venue is a short 5 minute walk from Redruth Railway Station and various bus routes. Parking: Available along side streets around Victoria Park and Trefusis Park. In particular, you can try Park Road and Trefusis Road.