HOCO – news from the Organic Orchard

Horfield Organic Community Orchard
Drought, heat and a plague of grubs – all change for Apple Day

Sixty hot and rainless days. Every tree, and every living thing in Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) is in distress – including us. Every one of our trees has been afflicted by moth grubs – affecting almost all the fruit. We have never experienced devastation on this scale before. Even if rains return, it will be too late for this year’s longer-keeping dessert apples. Sadly, it looks like we won’t be able to salvage enough fruit for our much-loved Apple Day. Clearly, carrying on as if nothing has changed is no longer an option.

Sunday 18 October, 2026. Please put this date in your diary!
Orchard members and supporters are a resourceful and creative bunch. It’s too early to say for sure how this year’s heartbreak will grow into an inspiring community resilience event. We are sure some good can rise from the ashes. HOCO is open to new connections to co-create this event. Are you creating community-based action for climate and nature? Get in touch, c/o the website. We’d love you to share your experience, knowledge, and skills for a fruitful future. If you are lucky enough to have a surplus of tasty apples for juicing before the event – please get in touch!

Fruitful Future: Climate & Nature Orchard Action Apple Day event is Sunday 18 October More information and updates: https://community-orchard.org.uk/