Strong turnout signals growing appetite for local food, green space

Missy Duckworth, left, manager of Farleigh Farms, & Fruit Tree Cottage founder Heidi  West-Newman aim to show people how food production can work in harmony with nature.

A strong community appetite for locally grown food and productive green space was on show on Sunday, January 18, when Fruit Tree Cottage officially opened its Forest Glen nursery.

The opening event drew visitors from across the Sunshine Coast, hinterland, Gympie region and Brisbane, with a steady flow of loyal regulars and new customers throughout the day.

Guests were welcomed into the nursery’s newly renovated barn, revived with a rustic, cottage-style fit-out. Fruit tastings ran all day, featuring freshly picked, locally grown mangoes, lychees, passionfruit, limes, star fruit, figs and dried persimmons.

The Fruit Tree Cottage team was kept busy chatting with customers, sharing care advice and loading purchases, reflecting strong interest in home food production and backyard growing. “The whole day had such a positive vibe and there was immense support from the community,” Heidi said. “So many people commented that retaining productive green spaces on the Sunshine Coast was so important as housing development is changing the face of the region and there are fewer such locations around.”

Fruit Tree Cottage’s partnership with Farleigh Farms aims to establish a pick-your-own farm and agritourism destination focused on biodiversity, sustainability, silvopasture regenerative farming principles and education. While some visitors had connections to agriculture and primary production, Heidi said most were home gardeners increasingly aware of the value of reconnecting with seasons, natural cycles and food production.

“We’ve now finished our first week of trading and the feedback has been wonderful,” said Heidi.

Fruit Tree Cottage is located in Forest Glen at the corner of Parsons Rd and Old Maroochydore Rd. Opening hours are Thursday to Sunday, 8.30am–12.30pm. Contact Heidi on 0448 089 094 or email heidi@fruittreecottage.com.au for more information.