Trustees The Orchard Project

Join The Orchard Project as a Trustee to help grow thriving urban orchards, tackle climate change, boost biodiversity, and empower communities across the UK.

• Location: London EC2A 3EQ
• Salary: Unremunerated

We believe that everyone in urban areas should be within walking distance of a thriving orchard — bringing people together, enhancing biodiversity, and tackling climate change.

As we expand our impact, we seek passionate and diverse trustees to join our board. We are keen to hear from commercially minded leaders, entrepreneurs, and strategic thinkers who can bring fresh perspectives from outside the voluntary sector.

The Orchard Project is committed to creating resilient, biodiverse orchards teaming with wildlife as much as we are to creating a diverse organisation.

We need everyone’s voices, strengths, and solutions to help create an equitable, resilient, and sustainable society. So, we particularly welcome applicants from racially diverse backgrounds and those new to trustee roles.

As a trustee, you will help shape our vision, support our growth, and ensure we remain innovative and inclusive. You’ll join a collaborative, forward-thinking board that values fresh ideas, risk-taking, and systems-change thinking.

This is an exciting time to join The Orchard Project. We are expanding our work, deepening our impact, and embedding systems change thinking into everything we do. If you are ambitious, dynamic, and eager to make a difference in environmental and social justice, we’d love to hear from you.

Who we are

The Orchard Project is the UK’s only national charity dedicated to creating, maintaining, and celebrating community orchards. Our vision is for everyone in urban areas to be within walking distance of a thriving orchard where people and nature can flourish together.

Once a significant part of the UK’s landscape, many orchards have been lost due to urban development. We are bringing them back — especially in areas with little green space, helping communities reconnect with nature, improve biodiversity, and tackle climate change. Through planting, training, and advocacy, we empower people to care for orchards long-term, ensuring they become lasting, productive spaces for food, wildlife, and well-being.

We focus on reaching those most in need, including people on low incomes, individuals with mental health challenges, and pupils in inner-city schools. Our work spans London, Swansea, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh, and we continue to grow.

At The Orchard Project, we are as committed to building a diverse, inclusive organisation as we are to creating resilient, biodiverse orchards. By working together, we can create greener, healthier, and more connected urban communities.

About the roles

As a trustee of The Orchard Project, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the UK’s only national charity dedicated to community orchards. Your leadership and expertise will help us expand our impact, strengthen governance, and drive innovation in urban greening and community engagement.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight and governance to ensure the charity’s long-term success.
• Support business development, financial sustainability, and partnership growth.
• Champion equity, diversity, and inclusion across our organisation and work.
• Attend six board meetings annually (one in-person, five online) and contribute to key decision-making.
• Use your skills, networks, and insight to drive innovation and community impact.

Your contribution will directly support our mission to bring thriving community orchards to urban areas, tackle climate change, increase biodiversity, and improve well-being.

By guiding our strategy, expanding our reach, and ensuring financial resilience, you will help create a more sustainable, inclusive, and connected society — one orchard at a time.

Who we are looking for

We seek passionate, strategic, and forward-thinking individuals who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise to our board. You will be committed to environmental and social change and be able to constructively challenge conventional ideas.

With a passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion, you will champion these values within our organisation. Strong networking and relationship-building skills, alongside the ability to provide governance oversight and contribute to effective decision-making, will be key to this role.

You may have connections in philanthropy, corporate partnerships, or funding sectors — or be experienced in business development, finance, fundraising, or innovation with an interest in environmental sustainability, biodiversity, or community engagement.

While prior leadership, governance, or advisory experience is welcomed, we also encourage first-time trustees to apply. We are especially keen to hear from individuals from racially diverse backgrounds, younger candidates and those looking for their first trustee role as we work to make our board more representative and inclusive.

We recognise the importance of supporting trustees and offer training, a buddy system, and financial recognition for your time.

If you’re ready to help create greener, more connected urban communities, we’d love to hear from you.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Clare Chesworth