Tag: community orchards

Scotmid launches funding for first Scotland-wide community orchard

An environmental and wellbeing initiative that will benefit almost 200 communities across Scotland has been launched by Scotmid.

‘Scotmid Community Orchard’ funding will allow fruit trees and bushes to be planted across the communities Scotmid serves. The sites, of five or more plants, will then form part of a Scotland-wide orchard of thousands of trees and bushes. 

The retailer is seeking a group near each of its stores to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes within a community space. They will award £200 to each successful applicant, to fund the purchase of plants.

The initiative has been created to encourage people to work together, increasing physical activity and improving local environments.

Orchards offer volunteering opportunities throughout the year as well as the chance to learn new skills, create habitats for wildlife and produce an array of edible produce. 

John Brodie, Chief Executive of Scotmid, said: “We love the idea that lots of people doing something simple locally, like planting fruit trees or bushes, not only benefits those close to them but allows them to be part of something so much bigger – an orchard spanning hundreds of miles weaving through our Scottish communities.

“We all recognise the value that green spaces bring. Scotmid is thrilled to provide the funding for our communities to plant, grow, learn, and let nature thrive.”

Karen Davidson from Social Farms and Gardens, who are providing advice to budding growers, said: “We are so excited to see Scotmid leading the way, creating a network of micro-orchards across Scotland through this funding.

“Community orchards are part of a local food system. Promoting the health benefits of fresh produce and outdoor exercise to people of all age groups, orchards are excellent places for people to come together and enjoy the outdoors, whilst providing a focal point for community activities.”

Scotmid is seeking a group near each of its stores across Scotland to plant five or more fruit trees or bushes.

To apply, please visit: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/communityorchard/

Applications close on 20th January 2023.

Tree-mendous: Friends of Saughton Park see the fruits of their labour

The Orchard Project been collaborating with City of Edinburgh Council and Friends of Saughton Park to improve their orchard as part of a large renovation of Saughton Park. Orchard Project’s Chris Macefield, explains:

Saughton Park has recently undergone a refurbishment, and HRH Princess Anne officially reopened the park on the 6th June. The Orchard Project, in partnership with Bulmers, were called in to assist with improving the orchard that lies within the park. We’ve provided trees, training, technical advice and tools for this community project.

HRH Princess Anne officially re-opens Saughton Park following an £8million refurbishment. Photo by Greg Macvean.

We supported the Friends of Saughton Park members by facilitating the planting of over 40 fruit trees in this historic walled garden, demonstrating how to grow trained trees, such as espaliers, cordons and fan forms. The fruit varieties planted include plum, apple, pear, quince, fig, peach and mulberry.

Sarah Bennett, one of the Friends of Saughton Park members, said: “We started out by visiting other orchards and talking to fruit experts and tasting apples before we selected any varieties. It’s been great fun and fingers crossed we will soon have fruit to eat. As a group we are so excited at what lies ahead – we have plans to plant a wild fruit orchard and organise apple days and blossom picnics.”

HRH is the patron of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, which is another partner organisation involved in developing the park. The royal opening was a great celebration of the commitment from local residents and the groups active in supporting the park.

HRH Princess Anne in Edinburgh Photo by Greg Macvean

There are plans to develop further areas for fruit growing within the park, along with dedicated wildlife habitat zones, in addition to a ‘Physic Garden’ with lots of interesting medicinal and culinary herbs.

To get involved in this exciting project, contact Sarah Bennett on friendsofsaughtonpark@gmail.com

FRIENDS of SAUGHTON PARK

The Friends of Saughton Park are an active and engaged group who wanted to include a community orchard as part of the park’s regeneration.

The Orchard Project have been working onsite since last year, running foraging and grafting workshops and the park’s Garden Party to share the orchard plans with the wider community. The Orchard was planted last winter and the Friends are forever engaged and enthusiastic and are often the first to sign up to trainings, visits and events, which The Orchard Project organises.

The Friends group really appreciate the support of The Orchard Project, which has given them focus for developing their site. They submitted an application for the Edinburgh Orchard Summit this year organised by TOP, and won £400 to improve their orchard’s watering system.  They ran an Apple Day this year in collaboration with The Welcoming Centre, a space for refugees.

Rona is the Secretary of Friends of Saughton Park group. She is retired, and recently moved back to the area. She has been very active supporting orchard events at the park and further afield.
The Orchard Project supported her to attend a Permaculture Design Course, the skills from which she has used to support on design trainings for the orchard in the park. Being involved in her community orchard has helped her to embed back in the community after being abroad for many years.

Shona is also part of the Saughton Park orchard group, and acts as the Chair of the Friends group. She is a fiercely enthusiastic orchard leader, and has attended many trainings and events with TOP, including supporting the Apple Day event at the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh.

Shona used to work on the cheese counter at Waitrose and has recently got a new job with the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society to run their grow & learn courses. This change of work and sector was made possible, in part, by her involvement with the orchard.