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Contact us |
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HOP (Horsley Orchard Project) is a community project which started in a small way in 2004. A few people got
together with the aim of increasing the availability of local produce by planting fruit trees and pooling
surplus fruit.
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Our aim is to reach out to the wider community, especially children - to nurture an interest in local produce long term,
and last but not least to have fun along the way. The seed was planted, the idea germinated and there are now three 'orchard'
sites in Horsley.
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The School & Churchyard: 9 apple trees, four of which were planted by the four classes at Horsley Primary school in autumn 2006.
Tickmorend: - Roger Franklin's field 13 apple trees, 2 pear trees, existing plum trees plus 15 grafted trees to be planted.
Nupend Farm: 18 new trees, (plus a few original trees), experimental forest 'underplanting' of soft fruit bushes.
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Produce is given to those helping on a 'work - crop share' basis and further surplus is then distributed free at the
school gate and elsewhere. We are trying to encourage those with excess produce to bring and share/exchange. Every autumn we collect and
press surplus fruit to produce apple juice, chutney, jam and even perry cider one year!
There are social events which are great fun. The project has brought villagers together at events like
winter Wassail celebrations, picnics, and a harvest festival supper for instance.
Professional training and advice on the planting, pruning and identification of apple trees has been
made possible by two substantial grants and we hope to learn more as we progress.
Also, grafting and budding skills have been acquired and trees have been successfully propagated - which is very satisfying and cheap!
These skills can now be passed on. Funding has also enabled us to buy two fruit presses and other vital equipment.
Would you like to reap the many rewards
of HOP involvement?
HOP can give you access to local produce, new skills, fun and community involvement. Could you spare a little time for our sociable monthly
meetings n the orchard (or even occasionally)? Do you who have skills that we can tap into? If you would like to join us, or add you name
to our email events list please fill in the details below. Skills not needed, training can be given.
Alternatively contact Nina Loveridge, 6, The Street, Horsley, (opposite church gates) or Heather Slater Tel: 01453 833699 or email
fevslater@gmail.com.
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