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 28 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.
HOCO hosts pruning and fruit tree care courses, offers workshops and training for members, and taster sessions at events. Hands-on learning activities are developed and led by Shannon Smith, an experienced orchard grower and community educator. Find out more: Orchard Learning 2026
Mid-summer Fruit Tree Pruning Workshops
Hands-on workshops led by Shannon Smith (aka The Apple Tree Lady) at Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO).
Delayed Dormant Season Pruning – advanced workshop*
Sunday 31 May, 10.30am to 1pm
Building on previous training and experience to assess, plan, and prune mature fruit trees
*Suitable for participants who have been pruning more than 3 fruit trees, for at least 3 years, and taken part in at least 1 practical pruning training course.
Fees: £25 (full fee), £5 (HOCO member)
Places are limited. Please book here in advance.
Stone Fruit Tree Pruning and Care workshop
Sunday 31 May, 2pm to 4.30pm
Introducing the basics of pruning and caring for healthy and fruitful plums, gages and damsons
Fees: £20 (full fee), £5 (HOCO member)
Places are limited. Please book here in advance.
Summer Orchard Open Day
Sunday 14 June 2026, 2pm to 5pm
Community-led Programme event
Supported by the Natural History Consortium and Avon Wildlife Trust
All welcome to enjoy the beauty, biodiversity & buzz
of a midsummer orchard
Summer Fruit Tree Care – a taster session
Nature-friendly actions for healthy and fruitful trees
Hands-on taster session led by Shannon Smith (aka The Apple Tree Lady).
New roots, shoots, and fruits are growing fast! This is a practical introduction to insects and diseases that feed on fruit trees. It also touches on mulching, water matters, thinning excess fruit and mid-summer pruning.
Places are limited. Please book here in advance.
Drop-in sessions: Ecology of a Fruit Tree and Art in the Orchard.
Chat with orchard members while we work!
Bee Active, Bee Fruitful! – inspiring community pollinator project plantings for year-round food, forage and shelter.
Homemade cakes, refreshments, produce and plants for sale. Bring cash!
Join the orchard as a member, and help us turn Bristol into an orchard city.
Fruit Trees for Sale
We graft our favourite HOCO trees to raise funds for the orchard – and to turn Bristol into an orchard city.
* Here’s the list of Fruit Trees for Sale 2025
*Order here: HOCO Fruit Trees Order Form
Contact Us for more information.
Know your apples?
The Apple Tree Lady is available to identify mystery apples when the fruit is in season. She is offering the service for a £10 donation (for each variety). Donations are for the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), and/or HOCO. Use this form to Ask the Apple Tree Lady to eye-d mystery apples
