Forth Valley Food Links

A very positive response has been received from both landowners and the public for the first phase of the Forth Valley Orchard Regeneration Initiative. Mapping the orchards and fruit trees of Forth Valley (Clackmannanshire, Falkirk & Stirling areas) is underway and good progress is being made. 

To date, there has been GreenMapping workshops at United Auctions, and Stirling Indoor Bowling Club, Bo'ness, Callander, Balfron, Stirling and Tullibody. These workshops are being run by Mike Trevett of Action for Change.

The survey of the largest orchards has been completed by consultants Dr Crispin Hayes, and all schools in the area are being surveyed by Margaret Miller. 

We are looking for information on the location, type, age, condition, and current use of orchards and individual fruit trees, and whether there is interest in creating & managing orchards, maintaining existing trees, or using the fruit. 

This information will give an indication of their economic, social, cultural, wildlife, and heritage value, and will provide a basis for developing the initiative into a second, more action-centred phase.  We would also be keen to know if anyone would be interested in forming an orchard group for developing the initiative further.

If you have not already been in touch with us recently, or if we have not been in touch with you, then please get involved by any of the following means:

1.            Complete the quick online orchard survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=nvKyZJ1EK1tf_2ba0h_2bAVxww_3d_3d.  You can do the survey again for each orchard or collection of trees that you know.  You can also download and return a copy of the survey from the website at http://www.fvfl.org.uk/How-You-Can-Get-Involved/Orchard-Survey-On-line.html.

2.            By phone on 01786 449215.

3.            By email via This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

4.            By post to Diane Alderdice, Forth Environment Link, 7 Stirling Business Centre, Wellgreen, Stirling, FK8 2DZ.

5.            By completing and returning the FREEPOST postcard in libraries, and community centres.

Information from all the above will be collated and presented in a report-back and orchard celebration event on Tuesday, 16 March from 7.00 – 9.00 pm at the Smith Art Gallery & Museum.

The orchard pages of the Forth Valley Food Links website (http://www.fvfl.org.uk/Forth-Valley-Orchards/) will keep you up-to-date with what is happening.

The Forth Valley Orchard Regeneration Initiative is being funded by the Scottish Government and the European Community Forth Valley & Lomond LEADER 2007 - 2013 Programme, Falkirk Environment Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage.