London has dozens of forgotten orchards where records of the types of apple have been lost. What rare old varieties, at risk of being lost forever, are hidden there? We will work with the local communities around these old orchards to identify varieties, and create tree tags and a map so people can tour these orchards and discover them for themselves. We will also teach people how to propagate these varieties through the ancient skill of grafting, creating hundreds of new heritage trees which will be planted in community spaces all over London, including a new community heritage orchard. This orchard will celebrate our orchard heritage, bring people together, provide fresh fruit and be an oasis in the city for all to enjoy. Please pledge now so we can revive these old varieties and continue to enjoy them for generations to come.

What we'll deliver:

• Identify varieties of apple and pear trees in over 20 London orchards and record these varieties on tree tags and map
• Plant a new heritage community orchard in London
• Propagate new trees from heritage and rare varieties
• Run fruit identification workshops for the public

Why it's a great idea:

Urban orchards connect people with their heritage and environment, act as oases of calm in a hectic city promoting health and well being, bear beautiful blossom and fresh fruit, and are a haven for wildlife. By rediscovering, restoring and recording these old orchards we will bring them back to life for local communities, ensuring they continue to be enjoyed and cared for. By identifying and propagating heritage varieties we ensure they live on, with all the history and memories they carry with them. By planting a new community orchard, we transform an urban space, teach skills, and provide a showcase of our heritage apples.

Steps to get it done:

• Collect fruit each autumn from orchards we are restoring
• Launch the new heritage orchard and online map at a Wassail party
• Record information on tree tags and on an interactive map on our website
• Run fruit identification workshops for the public and send samples to experts
• Run grafting workshops to propagate heritage varieties
• Work with a community group to plant the heritage orchard at the end of the project
• Work with local community groups to name any new varieties

We will also be running restoration pruning workshops and celebratory events, like Apple Days, at London's old orchards, which are open to all local residents, allotment holders, school children to attend. Anyone can attend our fruit id and grafting workshops. The trees we graft will be available for planting at community gardens and orchards all over London, and our new orchard will be on public land, for everyone to enjoy.