Rewilding Orchards: The Amber Valley Agroforestry Project

Hi, My name is Barry and here's our story...

In 2012 we planed our first vines and orchard at Amber Valley Vineyards, a small boutique vineyard in eastern Derbyshire in the beautiful Amber Valley.

Starting conventionally we have since moved to a commitment to sustainable, regenerative farming, blending traditional farming with ecological responsibility. Our thriving orchard, produces heritage apples for cider while supporting biodiversity through wildflower meadows, bird and bat boxes, and pesticide-free practices. By working with nature. Our new agroforestry orchard is the next step in this journey, expanding our commitment to nature-led viticulture and fruit growing.

Britain was once a nation of orchards. Our countryside thrived with apple, pear, and cherry trees, supporting rural economies, local food production, and biodiversity. Yet today, we import nearly half a million tonnes of apples annually, while producing just 11% of our own fruit. Generations of traditional orchards have been lost - torn up by subsidy-driven policies, undercut by supermarket supply chains, and replaced by standardised imports.

At Amber Valley Vineyards, we believe it's time to change the story. On a physically challenging, near two-acre site, which we already own we are creating an agroforestry orchard - a pioneering, multi-layered landscape that will integrate heritage fruit trees, grapevines, wildflower meadows, and beehives, restoring biodiversity while producing fruit for cider and wine. Using regenerative farming practices, we are designing a system that eliminates the need for pesticides and herbicides, instead relying on nature to manage itself - bird and bat boxes for pest control, wildflowers for pollinators, and mycorrhizal fungi to support soil health. We will use conservation grazing techniques to better manage the site too.

Our vision is for this orchard to become more than just a place of cultivation - it will be a modern echo of Britain’s ancient Wildwood, where trees, vines, and wildflowers form a rich, self-sustaining ecosystem. Much like the forests that once covered the land, this orchard will provide layered habitats for wildlife, natural pest control, and soil regeneration, creating a landscape that works in harmony with nature rather than against it. Through agroforestry, we are not just planting trees - we are reviving a lost balance, rewilding the land, and reconnecting farming with the rhythms of the natural world.

This is a long-term investment in sustainable farming, but to make it a reality, we need support for the critical infrastructure - specialist mowing equipment, fencing, and tree planting. Your contribution will help create a thriving orchard for the future, reviving British fruit growing while restoring the land.

Help us in re-establishing, rewilding orchards, regenerating landscapes, and rebuilding Britain’s fruit-growing heritage - one tree at a time. We believe in giving you something for your support...

Amber Valley Agroforestry Orchard – Go Fund Me Sponsorship & Rewards Packages.

To fund the essential ‘hardware’ costs of the agroforestry orchard - such as specialist land management equipment, tree planting infrastructure, and site preparation - we’re offering a range of sponsorship and support packages. These exclusive opportunities provide a meaningful way to contribute to the regeneration of British orcharding and viticulture, while also enjoying unique experiences at Amber Valley Vineyards.

The money raised here will be used to buy a specialist mower that can cope with these steep slopes and help us to control the invasive Himalayan Balsam, the bracken and limit the bramble on our site, whilst ensuring the orchard will establish. It’s an extraordinary cost that we’re unlikely to recoup.

Entry-Level Support (for individuals & small donors)

Seed Sponsor – £25

A personal thank-you on our website & social media.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes updates on the orchard’s progress.

Pollinator Patron – £50

All Seed Sponsor benefits.

Your support will help establish wildflower meadows that sustain bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Receive a personalised digital certificate recognising your contribution.

Root Supporter – £100

All Pollinator Patron benefits.

Invitation to a private orchard walk & talk event, where you’ll get an early look at the agroforestry project in action.

Mid-Level Sponsorship (for individuals, families, and small groups)

Named Tree Sponsor – £250 (Limit: 130-140 trees available)

Sponsor an orchard tree - your name (or a dedication) will be displayed on a handcrafted wooden plaque next to your tree.

A certificate of sponsorship with details of your tree variety.

Invitation to an exclusive annual Sponsor’s Orchard Tour with wine tasting.

Updates on how your tree is growing and contributing to the landscape.

Orchard & Vineyard Experience for Two – £500 (Limited availability per season)

A guided private tour of the new agroforestry orchard and Doehole vineyard (not normally open to public).

A tasting experience with wines and cider from Amber Valley Vineyards.

A grafted heritage apple tree sapling to take home and plant (available to collect from winter 25/26).

Corporate & High-Level Sponsorship (for businesses & major supporters)

Corporate Tree Row Sponsor – £1,500 (Limit: 5 sponsorships available)

Sponsor a row of orchard trees, supporting habitat creation and biodiversity.

Your company’s name or logo displayed on an engraved sign at the orchard entrance.

Invitation for up to four team members to attend a private Spring agroforestry tour with wine tasting.

Exclusive Spring Agroforestry & Wine Tour for Groups – £2,500 (Commercial & business sponsors)

An exclusive private tour & tasting event at the new agroforestry orchard and Doehole Vineyard (not normally open to public) for up to 10 guests.

Hosted by Amber Valley Vineyards’ founder, with insights into sustainable viticulture and orchard regeneration.

A selection of Amber Valley Wines & Ciders provided for guests to enjoy.

Principal Agroforestry Sponsor – £5,000+ (Limited to 3 sponsors)

Your business name/logo featured as a headline sponsor at Amber Valley Agroforestry Orchard.

Bespoke VIP experience, including a tailored orchard-to-glass event for your team or clients.

Access to ongoing media coverage & sustainability storytelling opportunities linked to the project.

Why Sponsor This Project?

Support the regeneration of British fruit growing & sustainable viticulture.

Gain direct involvement in biodiversity conservation & habitat restoration.

Enjoy exclusive experiences linked to wine, orchards, and agroforestry.

Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, heritage, and the rural economy.

This pioneering agroforestry orchard is not just about growing trees—it’s about restoring Britain’s fruit-growing heritage, supporting biodiversity, and developing a model for regenerative farming.