OUR MISSION
St Ives Community Orchard CIC creates, maintains, nurtures and protects a species-rich ecosystem of edible, native and useful plants, encouraging biodiversity and a safe space for wildlife and the local community to coexist in harmony.
We support local communities to connect with nature through education and volunteering and come together around shared values to work, grow, harvest, learn, play, eat and socialise in a welcoming space. A community-led and optimistic sanctuary in the heart of St Ives, which champions local residents, builds community resilience, supports mental health and wellbeing and promotes regenerative farming practices and environmentally friendly living.
OUR VISION
St Ives Orchard CIC will grow into a thriving, environmentally, sustainable community asset, that encompasses an orchard, forest garden, a registered nature reserve and a vibrant community learning centre. It serves as a source of inspiration and education for all, wildlife and biodiversity flourish, many friendships are forged and there is access to abundant free, nutritious food. It will be run and resourced to secure its future for generations to come.
OUR VALUES & CODE OF CONDUCT
We follow the RESPECT code of conduct:
Respect – We show respect for the environment and for each other. This includes valuing each other’s time, privacy, opinions and personal space. Individuals take personal responsibility for their actions in their St Ives Orchard role.
Environment – Protecting the environment is one of our core values – we lead by example. This involves avoiding all types of waste, using ethical and sustainable products, minimal use of fossil fuels, leaving no trace, not littering, recycling, reusing.
Safe – We nurture a space where every member feels part of the team and feels safe in the St Ives Orchard environment, both in terms of safe working practices and not feeling intimidated, bullied, victimised, sexually pressured or harassed – whether through word or action.
Peace – As part of the St Ives Orchard community we demonstrate a positive non-violent, non-aggressive attitude. There is no place for anger or violence in St Ives Orchard, including in our online presence. Temporary conflicts are dealt with calmly and quickly.
Equality – We actively work for every community member to feel included and not discriminated against due to age, disability, gender, relationship status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex and sexual orientation or form of employment.
Care – Being part of the St Ives Orchard community means ensuring the well-being of others. This means taking care of each other, supporting each other, being honest with each other and being open to others’ needs. It also means taking care of St Ives Orchard property, finances, images, messages and reputation.
Trust – Members of St Ives Orchard community are able to trust one another. They can also trust St Ives Orchard to provide relevant, timely and appropriate support, resourcing and training.
OUR OBJECTIVES / AIMS
- To maintain, nurture, improve and manage a Community Orchard and Nature Reserve for the public and wildlife benefit.
- To improve biodiversity and wildlife protection and enhance the range of plants and wildlife.
- To provide physical and mental health therapy through working in nature, giving hands-on experience with vegetable & fruit growing, outdoor cooking and being involved in environmental projects which in turn, builds skills and confidence.
- To make locally grown, organic produce available to the public, and to create a visual reminder of traditional land use and rural traditions.
- To promote sustainable and locally produced food growing and retailing and raise awareness of environmental issues.
- To promote the sharing of plant knowledge and nature-based skills, and sustain traditional practices relating to the land and the species it sustains.
- To improve community cohesion, engagement, individual well-being and increase pride in place.
- To demonstrate sustainable building methods, renewable energy and methods of carbon reduction.
- To reduce unemployment and increase engagement of local supply chains
- To create financial and environmental sustainability for this community asset / resource for generations to come.
OUR STRATEGY (PLAN OF ACTION)
- to closely follow our management plans for the orchard and nature reserve
- to plant a wide range of fruiting bushes and trees, preserving many Cornish and heritage varieties, useful plants, medicinal herbs and vegetables in the orchard and native, Cornish woodland trees in the Wildlife Reserve creating a sustainable, species-rich ecosystem
- to encourage biodiversity and protect wildlife through planting, land management and growing methods
- keeping pathways clear and removing invasives
- to plant and look after 2500 trees
- to have the wildlife reserve recognised and registered as a Nature Reserve – DONE!!
- to build an inspiring and environmentally sustainable building, to incorporate renewable technology and develop this into a vibrant and inclusive community asset – DONE!!
- to provide training, environmental education, well-being therapies and community events to individuals, local groups and schools.
- To apply for funding and ways of earning income to support the objectives
OUR BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY
- The St Ives community will be able to enjoy access to the local green space, to enjoy nature walks and opportunity to pick free fruit.
- The community can have pride in a sustainable, species-rich ecosystem of edible and useful plants, encouraging biodiversity and safe spaces for wildlife.
- The company will aim to provide a number of new full-time and part-time jobs, and will offer locally skilled craftspeople opportunities to run nature-based workshops.
- Volunteer opportunities and community events will create social cohesion, help with depression, stress, obesity, loneliness and confidence building to empower people to find work.
- Volunteers will learn skills transferable to the workplace.
- The diverse natural areas and the Community Learning Centre will assist in environmental education and enrich learning and engagement with nature for the whole community including schools and community groups.