Summer is fast approaching and we’re flourishing here at the Orchard. The first apple blossom was recorded in late April, 4 days later than in 2021, but the Orchard is now in full bloom!
May saw the launch of Grown by Newquay Orchard, a socially conscious, non-profit veg box scheme. Adults and young people who are engaged with Newquay Orchard have the opportunity to learn horticultural skills at Fentenfenna Farm where the project is based. Grown by Newquay Orchard is following the community supported agriculture (CSA) model which promotes people’s connection to where their food is grown and the people growing their produce. During this first phase 45 households will have the chance to become members and share in our harvest. Hetty, Newquay Orchard’s Sustainable Landscapes Manager, held an information session to get people involved and learning about food production where people had the chance to sign up. The produce is growing now and the first boxes are expected to be ready in July. You can read more about it over on the Grown by Newquay Orchard page.
Growing Futures students have also been involved with Grown by Newquay Orchard and have sowed seeds, learnt how to propagate and helped make the beds to grow the fresh produce. Whilst doing this they have also learnt to weave mindfulness and nature connection into their daily routines to help them build resilience and be calm.
The delivery team and volunteers have been busy fundraising this month for a defibrillator to be installed at Newquay Orchard. They have received a £500 donation from the Towan Blystra Lions which means they are a quarter of a way to achieving their goal. They are planning a week of activities to raise money and involve the community which include a teddy bears picnic, a foraging walk and a live music event. Working with Newquay based Crowdfunder the team hope to raise the money and, if they are able to raise more than the £2,000 goal put this towards first aid training for volunteers and staff. Anyone can suffer a cardiac arrest and so these potentially life-saving machines are an important asset to any community location. Follow our social media to find out when this will be announced and how you can support us.
Newquay Orchard were delighted to share their space with other community organisations and charities throughout the past month. Artswell spent an evening in the space we share with Canteen at the Orchard to promote the benefits of art and wellbeing. Whilst ARCA a University of Exeter project used the space for a workshop to share ideas surrounding circular business models. Newquay Orchard spoke about the circular economy involved with community supported agriculture and Open Surf, based in St Agnes, discussed the sustainable future of the surfing industry. The ARCA workshop was European Union funded in partnership with Exeter University and Cornwall College.
Newquay Orchard promote sustainability in all facets of life and the clothing industry is having an increasingly detrimental effect on the environment. Working with The Clothes Horse CIC, a local children’s clothing community group, we held a clothes swap and sale to get people reusing old clothes and raising the negatives of fast fashion in May. The reduced price of pre-loved clothes also means people and families are more able to clothe themselves as the cost of living crisis continues.
Our Change Coaches have continued to perform outreach work in the local community to interact with young people who are at risk of becoming disengaged. Each week they have been hot desking at Newquay Job Centre to share opportunities we have at Newquay Orchard including learning horticultural skills at Grown by Newquay Orchard.
Co-workspace members have enjoyed getting stuck in with the delivery team in May helping to plant trees, learn how we’re improving biodiversity and some basic horticultural techniques. They enjoyed their time outside and if they want to can take up the opportunity to become lead volunteers. There are opportunities for anyone to become a lead volunteer here at Newquay Orchard, just email steve.wright@nqyorchard.pixolomew.design for more information on what it involves and how you can get involved.
There’s lots coming up here at Newquay Orchard in the coming months. From summer theatre on the terraces and horticultural masterclasses to chances to get involved with Grown by Newquay Orchard and wellbeing activities like biodanza there’s lots happening! Head over to our events page and subscribe to our e-news to keep up to date with all of our latest news.