Welcome to
Horfield Organic Community Orchard
growing fruit, community, learning, and wellbeing since 1998

Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) is an inspiring, pioneering, local food project that put down roots 26 years ago on an allotment site behind HMP Bristol. The orchard is home to more than 80 different fruiting trees. It was planned to show that local grown fruit can be eaten and enjoyed all year round.

HOCO is a grassroots example of resilience in a world living with climate chaos. We are adapting the ways we care for our trees to meet serious challenges to food production now, and for the future. Do you care about the future of food growing? Join us as a Friend of the Orchard to support our work. Join us as a Harvest-share member and take action with others on the ground.

Orchard Learning Courses for 2025

Get growing, learning, and active in the orchard this year. We welcome new Harvest-share members who are taking part in an Orchard Learning course at HOCO. New to fruit growing? Keen to learn more about pruning, lively soils, caring for trees in a climate crisis, and making the most of the harvest? There is an Orchard Learning course for you! Find out more: Orchard Learning

“If I knew the world would end tomorrow, I would still plant new apple trees today.”

Fruitful Futures
a climate resilience action project

Starting Saturday 14 June, 2025

Dates: Saturdays 14 June; 13 September; 8 November; 7 February (2026)
Plus: extra time for research and hands-on sessions – as needed
Times: Co-learning session – 12pm-1.30pm, followed by Orchard Action session – 2.30pm-4.30pm

Design and lay the groundwork to plant and grow new fruit trees in uncertain times. Co-create an experimental, action research project in a community environment. Beginning with questions about: soil; unpredictable and extreme weather patterns; how to share knowledge with future growers. Seeking solutions that are low-tech, low-cost, joyful and diverse.

Bring your hands, head, humour, and heart to this project. Recommended for participants with some previous growing experience, and an open mind, who are keen to take action at the grassroots.

Course fee: £70 (HOCO Harvest-share member); £100 (Friend of HOCO)
Please apply by: Thursday 12 June, 2025.
The application process includes an informal phone chat.
Get in touch about Fruitful Futures here.

Apple Trees for Sale*

We have a selection of young apple trees for sale. Grafted by HOCO members, and chosen from our favourite varieties. We sell fruit trees to raise funds for the orchard, and to turn Bristol into an orchard city.
*More information here

Read more about HOCO and the fruit we grow in the Orchard.
See photographs of our beautiful orchard in the Gallery.

All are welcome to our community celebrations and public events. We Wassail in January, invite you to enjoy our Summer Orchard Open Day in June, and celebrate the harvest at Apple Day in October.

The orchard is cared for by Harvest-share members, who are active volunteers. Members look after the trees, site and structures. They also organise projects, seasonal celebrations and do the admin that helps the group and the orchard to thrive.

Join as an active Member for hands-on learning about fruit growing, green exercise in a beautiful space, and a share of the delicious fruit.

Harvest-share ‘divi’ day – October 2019
Apple Day 2022 – cutting apples for juicing

Friends of HOCO support the orchard with their membership subscriptions, donations, and help at events. HOCO Membership is open to individuals, households and organisations. Join us to support local, community food growing.

The orchard is home to The Apple Tree Lady. Get in touch with this home-grown fruit tree and orchard expert here to arrange a visit to your garden, allotment or community growing project.

Read about HOCO and Join us to turn Bristol into an Orchard city.

Read about the orchard here

See Gallery of photos

Find the orchard here

Contact Us

Growing season pruning workshop – 2018
HOCO Wassail, January 2024 – tying clouties to the Old Apple Tree
Preparing the Home Orchard Plot – 2016
Pressing juice at a Working Meeting