This weekend two local orchards will be opening their doors, giving families the chance to learn more about nature, wildlife and growing fruit.

Part of the Get Growing trail taking place across Bristol throughout June, the Summer Open Days will be held at Metford Road Community Orchard and Horfield Organic Community Orchard.

Both of the Summer Open Days are free entry and family-friendly.

Details of summer Open Days below…

Horfield Organic Community Orchard: Saturday 16th June, 1 – 5pm
All welcome to enjoy an afternoon exploring Bristol’s pioneering community orchard. Set up in 1998, and cared for by members who are volunteers, HOCO aims to inspire fruit-growing as a way to grow community, wellbeing, and local, sustainable food.

There’ll be an exhibition and stories of local, heritage apples and hands-on learning opportunities which will inspire you to grow productive and delicious fruit in your garden or on your allotment.

Come and and see the orchard’s newly planted Home Orchard Plot project – a mini orchard with a 10 x 4 metre footprint and learn how a small community group transformed a piece of marginal and neglected land into a beautiful, fruitful urban oasis.

There will also be homemade cakes, refreshments, produce and plants for sale.

To find this orchard, walk down the lane beside 22 Kings Drive (between Bishop Road and Kellaway Avenue), turn left and it’s the first gate on the right. OR, take the lane beside 134 Longmead Avenue until you come to the last gate on the left

For more information visit http://www.bristolfoodnetwork.org/event/get-growing-2018-horfield-organic-community-orchard/

Metford Road Community Orchard, Sunday 17th June, 1-5pm
Metford Road Community Orchard is an almost secret little garden, a green and wild place that contains many fruit trees and butterflies and frogs too! Planted on permaculture principles, it is on a steep slope (sturdy shoes needed) with a stream at the bottom and many ponds.

Children and families will enjoy discovering the wildlife and many creatures which live at the orchard and there’ll be guided tours, too. There will be plants and produce for sale, plus tea, biscuits and cakes. Compost loo on site and gazebo-style oak shelter.

Entrance to the orchard is next to 37 Metford Road, BS6 7LA.

For more information visit http://www.bristolfoodnetwork.org/event/get-growing-2018-metford-road-community-orchard/