To investigate the potential of community food forests and orchards

Community-based food forests (assemblies of food producing trees, shrubs, ground-covers and vines that mimic natural forests) and orchards (large and orderly groves of fruit and nut trees only) are novel public green space initiatives. They complement modern urban life providing multiple social, environmental and health benefits to the community. While virtually unknown in Australia, ground breaking programs and projects overseas have emerged over the last two decades. This project will document the processes, designs and operations of some of the world's exemplars. I will interview professional designers, administrators, community leaders and participants, and record site layouts, features, activities and yields.