We are looking for four churches in Scotland to take part in an orchard twinning project with churches in Hungary. The aim is to learn from the inspiring Plant Native Fruit Trees in Church Gardens project in Hungary that has planted hundreds of orchards across the country and won the ECEN Roman Juriga Award in 2018.
We want to inspire church and community orchard planting in Scotland. Planting fruit trees is both a symbolic and practical expression of care for Creation. It is a recognition of the fruitfulness of Creation and a source of healthy food; an orchard requires care and nurture to thrive; and with care will enhance green spaces both for humans and wildlife, particularly in urban areas.
To do this the Church of Scotland, Reformed Church in Hungary are working together with Okogyulekezet (Eco-congregation) Hungary, Eco-Congregation Scotland, and a UK charity The Orchard Project. The project is part funded by the European Christian Environment Network (ECEN) but churches who wish to be involved will have to make a significant commitment of time, effort and in some cases a financial contribution.
Who is eligible?
Any Eco-Congregation in Scotland may apply, however we are primarily seeking congregations in Edinburgh and Glasgow. We would like to involve priority area churches in urban areas and will seek to find match funding where necessary to enable churches with limited resources to participate.
To take part you must have access to land suitable for an orchard, be prepared to work with a Hungarian church partner, including travel and providing hospitality and make a long term commitment to look after an orchard. For more information, please request an ‘Eligibility Check’ document.
Planning, and training and will be provided by The Orchard Project, a charity with staff based in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
If you are interested please get in touch. Although we can only provide financial support to four churches it may be possible for other churches to informally join in some of the training and events – so do get in touch.
Contact: Paul Williams
email: pwilliams@churchofscotland.org.uk, tel: 01312402277.