Blog: The Abundant Perennial

A recent collaborative session between FNV and the Friends of Trittiford Park saw many volunteers come together to clear the encroaching, non-native cherry laurel that has taken over a section of hedging in the park. The forest garden being established here will see a great number of biodiverse, edible perennial plants and trees go into the site, which will be more suitable to serve the community and the park’s wildlife in the long-term.

More than 60 people gathering in Calthorpe Interfaith Community Orchard in Calthorpe Park, Balsall Heath, 14th June 2026, for another beautiful community picnic and orchard care session - bringing people together across faiths and cultures.

A quiet strip of unused land in front of Stan’s Café’s Edwardian building has become the focus of an ambitious and heartfelt collaboration between Fruit & Nut Village, Stan’s Café and Selly Oak Trust School. What began as a simple idea - to transform a neglected green space - has quickly evolved into a project rich with learning, community connection, and environmental renewal.

Fruit & Nut Village started as a tiny acorn. We would like to say we are now a mighty oak, reaching further into the corners of Birmingham through our edible perennial food growing community initiatives. We have been lucky enough to be a part of this delightful and insightful booklet created by the National Trust, designed to inspire like-minded groups and spur them into meaningful community action.