New to the orchard? Take a look at the About page for an introduction.
Recent Updates
- 17 March 24: Added Spring 24 minutes Meetings & Reports page.
- 16 March 24: Added Spring 24 agenda Meetings & Reports page.
- 02 Sept 2023: Added 2023 AGM documents Meetings & Reports page.
- 11 Oct 2022: Added interactive map & updated all orchard maps on dedicated Maps page.
- 2 Aug 2022: Added 23/7/22 teaspot meeting on membership Meetings & Reports page.
- 14 Nov 2020: Complete table of fruit trees in the orchard, indexed by map code, with RHS website links.
Directory
Membership & Wiki Registration (Joining the orchard / Wiki sign-up for existing orchard members)
Tasks & Projects (Current work to be done (or in progress) in the orchard)
Maps (Different overviews of the orchard and its contents)
Photos (Photo archive)
Meetings & Reports (Meeting agendas/minutes, reports, general admin files)
Orchard Contents (What plants and varieties we have)
Fruit and Veg Maintenance (planting and care of top/soft fruit and veg)
Infrastructure & Composting (Hard landscaping, tree works, seating, composting/disposal, hedges, etc)
General Orchard Principles (pest and disease control, organic methods, soil, fertility, etc)
Using the Fruit (Recipes, produce labeling, etc)
Links (Web links to like-minded groups, networks, gardens, farms and shops)
Orchard Events Diary
(See Project Sessions on Tasks & Projects page for more details of planned tasks on orchard work days)
Scheduled orchard work days almost always take place on the first Sunday of each month. Most months, we usually have another ad hoc Sunday group session as well - these will get listed here typically a week or two beforehand. You can of course still visit and work in the orchard at other times. Orchard work sessions will normally be from 11am until perhaps 5pm though they are likely to finish earlier in winter months. You're always welcome to come at the start time or any time during the session.
| _Day_and_Times_ | Event | Details |
|---|
| Date for your diary - all hands on deck - Sunday 16th June 2024 12pm-dusk |
Get Growing Trail - Open Day | Help will be needed to prepare the site in preceding days and to make the orchard as inviting as possible for visitors; we will provde refreshements for donations so donations of cakes and other bites would be welcome (please note allergen information); we need volunteers on the day to man the gate and accompany guests around. This is a great opportunity to showcase the orcahrd and has potential to encourage new members. Please help out and invite friends, neighbours and relatives. Do get a poster and advertise if you can think of anywhere to promote.. |
| Sun 7th April 2024 12pm-dusk |
Orchard Work Session | Clearing around the trees and mulching, cardboard and woodchip. Bring woodchip from pile by Redland Gate if there; top up steps, Med Area and fruit cage (removing weeds/grass first). Keep on top of weeds, brambles. Focus on invasive plants - bamboo and sedge. Dig out as much root as possible - put in bags and remove from site if possible. Dig in two compost boxes at top of meadow for planting prostrate Roemary's - see Karen for details, she will be there from around 2. |
| Sun 17th March 2024 12pm-dusk |
Orchard Work Session and Spring Meeting | Complete pruning soft fruit + any clearing around the trees and mulching. Soft fruit prining, Karen on hand for guidance.Spring meeting 1 to 2ish. |
Other Events
| Saturday mornings | Whiteladies Road Market | Fabulous weekly market on the corner of Whiteladies & Apsley Road with stalls aplenty filled with locally-grown food and other organic goodies. Please check http://sustainableredland.org.uk/market/ or look the market up on Facebook for updates. |
| Selected Saturdays | Community Farmer Days at The Community Farm | The Community Farm has a volunteering programme including Community Farmer days on some Saturdays. More info and registration at: https://www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/volunteering/ Plus Grow and Make sessions on Wednesdays - open sessions to join in the therapeutic acts of food growing and nature connection, every Wednesday 10-3 at the farm; look this up at https://www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk/learning/social-and-theraputic-horticulture/ |
| First Saturday of the month | Grow Wilder Monthly Market & Wildlife Watch Club | Monthly Market: "A collective of Bristol Designers and Makers showcasing their handcrafted goods with an emphasis on eco-friendly and nature themed products." And something for the (young) kids too…"On the first Saturday of every month, our learning team run a Wildlife Watch Club at our Grow Wilder site, for 5-10 year olds. We'll be learning all about nature, with an exciting new theme every month and lots of fun activities to enjoy." Info for both: https://www.facebook.com/AWTGrowWilder/events |
| Wednesday evenings | Folk Tales | Orchard friend Joe Medlicott's Folk Tales events are back live. Occasional Wednesdays, usually from 8pm til about 10.30. Search for Folk Tales TV on facebook for venues and times. |