Welcome
The Histon and Impington Community Orchard Project (HICOP) began back in 2011 with an idea and a handful of volunteers.
The transformation from a patch of grassland to the current orchard is testament to the efforts and generosity of volunteers, local companies, parish councils and the community as a whole.
HICOP organizes several events over the course of the year, including a Winter Wassail, our Bird in the Hand Breakfast and an apple juicing day.
We take part in village events, such as the Open Gardens and arrange events such as Pruning Workshops, teaching grafting techniques, etc. We also tend to some other orchards in the village.
The aims of the orchard
The founding and continued aims of the community orchard are:
- To improve the biodiversity
- To establish a meadow surrounded by a native hedge
- To create a natural space for community use, for all ages
- To create a place of education, reminding us of our village’s strong connection with fruit growing
- To establish the site as an orchard
LocationThe orchard is located between the Guided Busway and Manor Park, accessible via footpaths from Somerset Road or Saffron Road. The ground and some pathways can get muddy during the winter months.
VolunteeringVolunteers are the lifeblood of the orchard and they range from schoolchildren to the retired. Volunteers are especially appreciated for events and maintenance days. Helping out for just a few hours a year can make an enormous difference to the things we can get done.
EventsWe run a number of events at the orchard across the year, including a Winter Wassail, our Bird in the Hand Breakfast (with the RSPB), and Juicing Days. We also organize days for Pruning Workshops and related skills.