Together across our differences in the Interfaith Orchard

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.

Over 60 people gathered at the Interfaith Orchard in Calthorpe Park Edgbaston on Sunday 14th June for a Spring Picnic to celebrate the recent festivals of Shavuot (Judaism), Eid ul Adha (Islam) and Pentecost (Christianity). Attendees' ages ranged from 1 to over 80 years old, with Muslims, Jews, Christians, Quakers and people of no faith represented, including 15 asylum seekers and refugees connected to The Travellers Tree CIC and Journey LGBT asylum seekers' group.

The orchard is made up of 20 fruit trees planted at interfaith events over the past 2-3 years, organised to mark Tu B'Shvat, the Jewish festival of trees. The trees are all thriving, with some starting to fruit this year.

Rabbi Lisa Barrett of Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) spoke at the picnic of welcoming the stranger with 'radical hospitality'. Rabiyah Latif, of Near Neighbours, talked from an Islamic perspective about the healing, human value of sharing time in nature across our differences. The shared picnic of samosas, pizzas and cheesecake (traditionally eaten by Jews on Shavuot) was provided thanks to funding from the Big Lunch.

Another lovely image from the interfaith picnic gathering in Calthorpe Interfaith Community Orchard, with our Druids Heath Area Manager, Laura Hackett, pictured in the yellow shirt, amongst many community participants.

It was a chance for interfaith conversations to blossom between old friends and new, connecting and building links between individuals and organisations. As a Muslim participant said afterwards, "it was so restorative and energising to be amongst such inspiring and kind people".

Mandy Ross, one of the organisers from BPS's Tikkun Olam social action group said:

"At a time when many communities have reasons to feel wary and fearful, it felt heartening to be bridging divides in our city, welcoming the stranger, reaching out across our differences – and finding there are many people out there who also want to connect. Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen."

Other attendees said:

"Really enjoyed meet new friends and care for trees and to spend all day outside in nature." Asylum seeker;

"I wish we could bottle and share the joyful ruach (spirit) of coming together today in the Interfaith Orchard." Jewish participant;

"Thank you so much for the invitation. It was a fantastic event, and you are doing incredible work. It was great to be there. I'm really looking forward to continuing to connect in the future. Peace and blessings, salam, shalom." Muslim participant.

The Calthorpe Interfaith Community Orchard is thanks to the partnership with Fruit & Nut Village, who liaise with land managers to secure sites, and provide trees, expertise & support so those trees thrive.

Written by Sadia Khan, Friends of Spark Green Park