National Orchard Forum: how to set up a "Fruit Group"

Introduction

Individuals may of course join NOF. However, NOF exists primarily to further the interests and effectiveness of "fruit groups". We therefore put individual enquirers in touch with the nearest group. The whole of the UK is not uniformly and conveniently covered by existing groups, we therefore strongly recommend those individuals who live far from the catchment area of any existing group, to explore the possibility of setting one up in their locality. Something of a challenge, yes, but one they will find interesting and rewarding! A list of counties in which there are as yet no groups, is given below.

The Practicalities of setting up a group.

Much of the following information has been adapted from the Royal Horticultural Society's leaflet "Points to consider when forming a new Horticultural Society or revising the constitution of an established one."

What are the basic steps?

1. As a first step, look at a few of the web sites developed by established groups, to see whether any of the activities and interests portrayed, coincide with yours. A good site to look at is Gloucestershire Orchard Group.
   
   You may feel overwhelmed by the mass of information displayed on these sites but remember all groups "started small" and added activities only as interests and demands grew.
2. If one or more of these activities are "for you", then find out if there are sufficient like-minded people in your area, who would be keen to become involved in creating a group.
   
   
3. If there are, then call an open meeting with the following objectives;
   
   
1. Decide in broad terms what sort of a group you want to set up. Remember, you are not trying to emulate established groups' activities. The group you want to create should exist to cater for your particular needs and interests. For example, are your group interests primarily one or more of the following, to name a few possibilities?
   
   
• Conservation/renovation of existing orchards
• Planting new "heritage" orchards
• Propagating
• "Tracking down" old/"lost" varieties and orchards, with the associated challenge of identifying varieties?
• Becoming more proficient in growing fruit
• Showing/exhibiting
  
  
Look at the "Further information" section below for more details about these activities


2. Identify a group of people willing to form an organising committee with a chairman and secretary
   
   
3. Set a date for a second "open" meeting
   
   
4. Call the second "open" meeting whose objectives will be;
   
   
   1. To arrange the first year's program
      
      
   2. To elect the officers and committee.
      
      
   3. To set a date for the "first meeting" of the group.
      
      
   If you want your group to have a formal structure, perhaps with eventual registration as a charity in mind, this "first meeting" should be the "First Annual General Meeting" and a constitution has to be produced for discussion and adoption at this meeting
   
   
5. Alternative one. Informal. The "First meeting" of the group Objectives;
   
   
• Administrative matters
  
• First speaker or agreed activity as part of the year's program agreed in the second open meeting.
  
  
6. Alternative two. Formal. The "First Annual General Meeting" Objectives;
   
   
• Adoption of the Constitution
• Other Administrative matters
• Whether to affiliate to other organisations e.g. The Royal Horticultural Society.
• First speaker or agreed activity as part of the year's program agreed in the second open meeting

Areas of the country without groups

and hence where groups would fulfil a valuable role.

N.B. The situation can change as new groups are formed, so consult NOF for the latest information.

Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Hampshire
Leicestershire
Northamptonshire
Northumberland
Nottinghamshire
Oxfordshire
South East Scotland/ The Lothians
Wiltshire
The East of England Apples and Orchards Project covers Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Herts., Lincs., Norfolk and Suffolk!

Further information

Conservation/Renovation of existing orchards and planting new "heritage" orchards

Perhaps invite the appropriate council people to your meeting

Tree warden schemes may exist

Orchards as wild life refugia

Searching for local varieties to plant

Cultural techniques

Showing /Exhibiting

Orchards as Community/amenity centres

Food/Produce aspects

Participants in "Farmer's Markets" often have supplies of local varieties of fruit. The Soil Association can supply information on organic produce outlets in your area. Keep an eye out for juicing/cider making on the local scale. You could be missing out on something really good!