https://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/what-we-do/cico/
Course website
The Orchard Project

Dates and times
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CICO is a unique Level 3 training course, run by The Orchard Project and accredited by Crossfields Institute, combining high quality online learning with 6 action-packed face-to-face training days over 11 months. In addition there will be a 1 day tour of Bristol orchards, giving you a well-rounded learning experience. 

Face to Face Elements
You must attend the Induction zoom plus all 7 face-to-face training days (including the Bristol orchard tour) to be able to gain the Certificate. Your practical skills will be assessed on the face-to-face training days and these take place on Mondays 9.45-16:00 and held at various locations across Bristol, including Grow Wilder (Avon Wildlife Trust) (NB Grow Wilder is NOT our office or mailing address)
• 2nd September 2025 -Induction Tutorial on zoom
• 29th September 2025 - Bristol Orchards Tour
• 8th December 2025 - Groupwork, winter pruning and tree ID
• 19th January 2026 - Tree planting and land survey
• 2nd March 2026 - Spring grafting and soil biodiversity
• 27th April 2026 – Orchard design and group decision making
• 1st June 2026 - Summer pruning, tree ID, biodiversity, pests and diseases
• 29th June 2026 - Trained forms, summer grafting
There is homework and additional tutorials throughout the course. The course platform contains a mix of educational videos, presentations, quizzes and online reading material. You will be assessed on your knowledge via online quizzes (7 assessed quizzes) and 13 pieces of homework - you can expect a couple of pieces of homework a month and will need to allow about 2 hours a week to complete it.
Cost
£1150 (general) - full course & accreditation
£840 (concessionary) - full course & accreditation
£400 (materials only) – access to online learning materials and course book only (2 places)
Concessionary Places: students, retired on low income, receiving benefits or on a low income (under £17,000 per year).
Pay-by-instalments options are available, for more info and booking: https://www.theorchardproject.org.uk/what-we-do/cico/
Course summary

Level 3 Certificate Course (equivalent to A level) run by The Orchard Project and accredited by Crossfields Institute.   The runs for 11 months, with blended learning consisting of  6 face-to-face training days, together with online learning over 11 months, plus a 1 day tour of Bristol orchards.  You will learn from orchard experts, with the flexibility to top up your learning at home, with over 100 online resources. 

We've been running this training since 2017 and it’s been hugely successful, with over 200 students becoming qualified orchardists. The course now also runs in Bristol.  This means more people can become orchard experts and support the thriving orcharding movement in the West and South West.

This 11 month course will teach you everything you need to know about planting and maintaining a community orchard.   The course is led by Witchhazel Wildwood, with a range of tutors including Tom Adams (Tom the Apple Man) and Russell Miller (arborist/ecologist).

 





 

Witchhazel Wildwood (P.Dip)
Lewis McNeil
Kate Davies
Tom Adams
Russell Miller
Apprentice teachers
No apprentice teacher places available on this course
Course type
Specialist
Engagement style
Face to face

Postal address of venue

Grow Wilder
181 Frenchay Park Rd
Bristol
BS16 1HB
United Kingdom

Course contact email
[email protected]
Contact name
Witchhazel Wildwood

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