Membership Information - 2011

Horfield Organic Community Orchard Membership information 2011

Horfield Organic Community Orchard ( HOCO) began as a project of Avon Organic Group in 1998. A small group of hardworking volunteers took on some very overgrown plots on the edge of an allotment association site. They cleared the ground, composted like crazy and over the yeras planted 100 different varieties of fruiting trees, bushes and vines. In spring 2011 a member-led community group was set up to manage the orchard.

Our aims:
- to look after our orchard using organic methods;
- to help members and the wider community learn how to grow fruit;
- to encourage fruit growing as a way to grow community and well-being;
- for members to share the responsibilities of looking after the orchard and the group;
- to work with groups with shared aims.

HOCO is a not-for-profit community enterprise. The basic running costs of the orchard are paid for by yearly membership fees and donations.

How to get involved

Harvest Share Members pay a yearly subscription and commit to working a minimum number of hours each year. There are full-share or half-share members. The difference in the time committed is reflected in the share of the harvest received. We encourage members to take part in working meetings through the whole year. It is a friendly way to work and a fun way to learn - seeing the orchard through the seasonal growing cycle is slow learning at its best. Some work time needed to keep the group going, eg. looking after the website, administration and publicity can also be counted towards the harvest share.

Friends and Organisations support the orchard by yearly donations. All members are invited to take part in member-only social events and training as well as join our public celebrations of Apple Day and Wassail. All members will receive news of developments at the orchard and of other fruity community activities.

These are exciting times for local and sustainable food in Bristol. HOCO is a pioneering community orchard with much to offer members and the wider community.

We look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful orchard