Sustainable Baughurst submitted a proposal to Baughurst Parish Council in February 2024 which outlined the plan for a Community Orchard. The proposal, edited by Anne Ayres and Angela Hare, was accepted by the council and action was taken to identify possible orchard sites. In late March 2024, this resulted in two sites being agreed for orchards, one in Long Grove, Baughurst, and one opposite the Heath End Village Hall which already has a mature apple and two damson tress growing there.

The locations for the orchard sites are as shown below. Plans were drawn up for the main orchard site and a grant requested was submitted to Hampshire Forest Partnership in November 2024. This was approved and hence plans were then made for the planting of the initial trees and the hedges needed to contain the site.

The detail of the primary site is as follows. The What3Words location of the centre of the site is ///think.firework.imported. It shows the site and the location of over 45m of hedging and the initial 22 trees to be planted. Originally 12 trees were ordered for the site but an error in delivery saw 22 being delivered, however the plan was quickly revised to accommodate the new trees.

The project has progressed in association with the Hampshire Forest Partnership, who continue to provide advice and guidance to the group. Items obtained from the HFP are as follows:

22 fruit trees
22 stakes
22 tree guards – which will be upgraded to 1.8m wire guards in the near future.

53 m hedging whips (excluding thorny species) at 5 per metre (265 in total)
whip guards and canes
One tonne bag of mulch

Planting Complete

Planting was carried out on 8th February when over 50 members of the community, including some very interested children, came along to plan the trees and hedging whips. The team started their work at 11:00am helped along by supplies of cakes and hot drinks from the neighbours.

Some of the layout team working at the site on 1st February to prepare the site for planting. Plans were changed during the following week as more trees than expected were delivered.

Baughurst Community Unites to Plant Orchard

In a heart-warming display of community spirit, over 50 residents and friends of Baughurst braved the cold and rain on 8th February to transform a piece of land at Long Grove into a thriving orchard. Led by local resident Kevin, who tirelessly promoted the project, the community came together to plant 22 fruit trees, including varieties of apple, plum, and pear, along with 250 hedgerow plants: all donated by the Hampshire Forest Partnership.

Each tree was carefully staked and labelled, and plans are underway to add signage, tree guards, benches, and further plants; creating a serene space for locals to relax, enjoy and learn from nature.

Children played a significant role in the day’s activities, eagerly helping with the planting and constructing bug hotels to attract beneficial wildlife. Anne, one of the project’s proposers, expressed her joy at seeing the younger generation so excited and involved.

A gallery of the events of 8th February is attached.

Gallery of Planted Orchard

Site Prior to Planting

Images of the site prior to planting are attached.

Article in Newbury Today 18/2/25