Membership details

The orchard is off Shenington Road in Tysoe. The orchard is for the benefit of residents of Whatcote, Oxhill and Tysoe and will be owned by those residents who become members of the Community Interest Company, WOT2Grow Community Orchard CIC, but for everyone to be involved with and enjoy.


The orchard covering two acres has soft fruit - raspberries, blackcurrants, red and white currants, gooseberries and blueberries - 20 varieties of apples, 3 varieties of pears, 4 varieties of plums as well as damsons. There are also apricot, nectarine, peach and nut trees. Some cider apples and perry pears have also been planted. Members will have the benefit of fresh fruit from June until December.


There will be a strong sustainable and environmental focus in the management of the orchard. Natural biodiversity will be encouraged and beehives have been introduced. Trees, bushes and canes will not be treated with any synthetic plant protection products or fertilisers. Pests and diseases will be controlled by natural means and by in-built plant resistance.


Membership

Each individual member pays a joining fee, which entitles them to vote on how the orchard is run and managed, as well as a yearly orchard maintenance fee (OMF).  These are reviewed annually by the CIC members at the AGM.  It has been agreed that until March 2025 new members will only be asked to pay the membership (joining) fee and the OMF will be waived.


Managing the Orchard


Orchard maintenance and fruit picking is carried out by its members, usually on a weekly basis. An email is sent out to all members informing them of dates and times.   Examples of work needing to be done is planting, mulching, pruning, fruit thinning and harvesting and mowing.


Orchard output


At present the fruit is distributed on a request basis with all members receiving, as much as possible, a fair share. A record is kept of all fruit picked. Those who attend the sessions can take home a bonus amount after members’ requests are fulfilled. The amount of fruit available is entirely dependent on such things as weather and yield and the number of members able to attend picking/maintenance sessions.  


Surplus production is donated to the Tysoe Lunch Club, the local Care Homes and schools.