A Dream Rooted in Community Spirit
What was once a neglected patch of wild land, overgrown with weeds and strewn with debris, is now beginning to take shape into an orchard with fruit trees, vegetable patches, flower beds, pollinators, and a space for vibrant community life. This transformation didn’t come from a government project or local organisation, it was the vision and effort of Chris Hoare, a North Edgbaston resident from the Waterworks Estate, and the local citizens who were determined to create a greener, more sustainable space for everyone.
Planting the Seeds of Change
It all started after COVID when Chris noticed that the public space within the Estate deteriorating. The land, once a thriving space used by Crescent Theatre to train children from the Estate in drama and arts, has now turned into a poorly maintained, overgrown dumping ground. However, local resident Chris saw potential. Inspired by the idea of community orchards, Chris gathered a group of like-minded individuals and proposed turning the space into a public orchard.
“We wanted to create something that would not only beautify the neighborhood but also provide fresh, organic produce for generations to come and a space for families to come together,” Chris explained. “Instead of waiting for the authorities to act, we decided to take matters into our own hands.”
From Idea to Action
The Waterworks Estate Orchard Project officially took off when volunteers from the Estate and from Groundworks organised a cleanup. Chris also approached a number of sources for grants including corporates, Birmingham City Council, charities and local businesses. Within a few months, they had raised enough interest and funds to purchase saplings, soil, compost, and gardening tools.
With help from Groundworks, Starbucks, HS2, gardening centres, Fortem, the City Council, the community now has five raised beds including two for children and one specifically aimed at people with disabilities or wheelchair users. Over the course of multiple community planting days, families, volunteers, and seniors all pitched in to dig, plant, and water the saplings. What had once been an abandoned space was coming to life, one plant at a time. Last Autumn, the community was able to enjoy the fruits of their labour being able to harvest peas, beans and pumpkins! Although the work on the orchard took a pause over the Winter months, Chris and his team of volunteers, with support from Groundworks, are looking to plant a carefully selected mix of native fruit-bearing trees—apples, pears, cherries, and plums—along with berry bushes and wildflowers in the coming months. Chris has also managed to secure funding to get a fence and gate installed to make the space secure.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any grassroots concept, the orchard project faced its share of challenges. But with Chris’ community-minded approach and continuous engagement, regular clean-up events, and engaging workshops on wreath-making and spring baskets, support for the project grew.
“We had to be creative, but every problem we solved made us more connected as a community,” said Chris.
A Growing Legacy
Today, the Waterworks Estate Community Orchard is not just a place to pick fresh fruit and veg—it’s a hub for progression and sustainability. It will provide a space for families, for get-togethers at seasonal events and to take part in the many workshops on orchard care and flower arrangements planned across the year.
The orchard has also strengthened social bonds, with volunteers forming friendships and mentorships across generations. What started as a simple idea has now become a model for other neighborhoods.
“We didn’t just plant trees,” Chris reflects. “We planted hope, resilience, and a sense of belonging.”
Looking Ahead
The orchard is still in its early stages of development, but the community is keen for it to become a self-sustaining piece of land. In keeping with the community spirit, Chris has also made partnerships with Tesco Spring Hill to distribute excess food to the residents on the estate.
Their story is a testament to the power of citizen-led action—proof that when communities come together with a shared vision, they can turn even the most overlooked spaces into something truly fruitful.
For those inspired by their journey, Chris has one piece of advice: “Start small, believe in your vision, and involve your neighbors. I couldn’t have done it without the people behind me. You’ll be amazed at what can grow from just one idea.” Chris is now a citizen representative on our Steering Group too!
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