Our orchards need you!

There are lots of ways you can get involved.

  • Tell us about an orchard near you
  • Volunteer to undertake a local parish survey of orchards
  • Participate in an orchard restoration workshop
  • Help to set up a new community orchard in your neighbourhood
  • Record stories of local orchards through the oral history project.

Interested in volunteering?

Orchards East has a wonderful mix of opportunities for anyone interested in volunteering, whether you have a lot of time to give or just a spare hour or two.

Surveying orchards

At the heart of the project is our plan to research and record as many old orchards as possible. Volunteer surveyors will be given guidance and support to complete local parish surveys. These will help uncover how many orchards still exist, which trees remain and how important they are for wildlife. You don’t need any particular skills to become a volunteer surveyor, just an interest in your own local area and a willingness to spend a few mornings or afternoons outdoors!

 

Historical research

Whether you are an experienced local history buff or a complete novice, we are looking for volunteers who can help us discover more about the history of local orchards; when they were planted, how they were managed and what their fruit was used for. We can supply advice, support and training on how to go about this - whether you want to spend time in a local records office or just dig around online!

 

Oral history

Orchards are an important part of our local heritage and Orchards East is keen to capture different local experiences and memories of orchards. We are looking for volunteers who have an interesting story to tell or who are willing to help with interviewing and recording others’ stories so they that can be shared.

Get in touch

If you would like to get involved with Orchards East, please drop us an email at orchardseastforum@gmail.com