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
Roots, Shoots & Fruits – the joy of an orchard year
Dates: Sundays 29 March; 26 April; 17 May; 28 June; 19 July; 20 September
Times: Learning session – 12pm-1.30pm, followed by Orchard Action session – 2.30pm-5pm
Get growing fruit trees at Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) with this friendly, hands-on course. Learn to love and care for fruit trees over a whole growing season – from bud and blossom to harvest. Enjoy working outdoors with other orchard lovers, as well as the fruits of your labours.
This practical course is ideal for anyone taking their first steps into growing fruit trees. It is designed as an introduction to HOCO for Harvest-share members joining the orchard this year. The interweaving of learning and group activities will also expand the knowledge and skills of experienced gardeners and community growers. More information here.
Pruning Fruit Trees in the Dormant Season – two taster sessions on Sunday 22 March
Hands-on taster sessions led by Shannon Smith (aka The Apple Tree Lady) at Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO).
Dormant Season Pruning for Beginners*
Sunday 22 March, 11am to 1pm
Introducing the basics of assessing, planning, and pruning trees for form and fruitfulness
*Beginners have been pruning fewer than 4 trees, for less than 3 years, and have little, or no, previous practical training.
Dormant Season Pruning for Improvers**
Sunday 22 March, 2pm to 4pm
Building on previous training and experience to assess, plan, and prune larger, complex trees.
**Improvers have been pruning more than 4 fruit trees, for at least 3 years, and taken part in practical pruning training courses.
Fees: £15 (full fee), £5 (HOCO member)
Places are limited. Please book here in advance.
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
