The Orchard in Thundridge known as 'Jean's Orchard' is a community orchard project left in trust by local resident Jean Hobbs who sadly passed away in November 2016. Towards the end of her life she had been investigating ways in which she could give the orchard land to the surrounding villages to be developed and managed as a 'Community Orchard'.
The orchard idea was launched in June 2017 by Jean's family after testing the idea with the community and found that it would be a viable and worthwhile exercise. This is a young orchard which will grow over time and be a great place to visit, relax in and take stock of what is going on in the world.
See the calendar for visiting times and the diary for progress reports, photos and videos. To receive the latest news and join in with orchard conversations you need to become a website member. Email the editor to get your login details.
Juicy News
Thanks to all those who popped in to help pick apples for juicing on Saturday and to the neighbours who donated some in boxes of apples from their...
Notecards & Photo Prints
We have a new collection of A6 notecards ready to purchase from our online shop. The notecard packs contain 12 cards (four different designs) showing photos of flowers taken in the orchard. We also have a collection of A5 and A4 wall art photo prints for sale.
Orchard Visiting
Visitor Opening times March - October 2022: Tuesday and Wednesday: 9.00 - 17.00 Saturdays: 10.00 - 14.00 Sundays: 14.00 - 17.00
Orchard Volunteers
There are several ways to help keep the orchard neat and tidy for future generations. Visit our volunteers page to view details. Thanks.
Orchard Donations
There are a couple of ways to help keep the orchard thriving for future generations. Visit our donation page to view details. Thanks.
Community Orchard 2017
Work began in July by volunteers to clear the orchard of shoulder-high nettles, overlong grass, bramble, ivy, nettles, ant nests, mole hills and fallen branches. Some old fruit trees were overgrown and almost overwhelmed by ivy, these took quite a lot of work as the main ivy stems were very thick. Once the bulk of the green rubbish was cleared we had a better idea of what we had in terms of what we had and what was needed to do improve/enhance the orchard. We found a small selection of well established fruit trees (Apple, Cherry, Pear, Plum, Damson and a huge Cob/Hazel) and a couple of Birch trees and a Yew. There is a good selection of shrubs and perennials in a circular border near the summerhouse (needed a bit of TLC). Also a couple of clematis growing on side of garage and trellis by the garage.
Community Orchard Awards
We were very proud to win the 'CPRE Rural Living' award presented 13th October 2018. The CPRE said: "Thundridge Community Orchard, The Ermine Street site was put in trust by Jean Hobbs who passed away in 2016. Her wish to create an orchard at the end of her garden was fulfilled by Trustees and a team of dedicated volunteers. They have cleared the near derelict site, trimmed existing fruit trees and planted heritage varieties, many of them pledged by donors. The approximately 100 yard square orchard has wild flowers and jams are produced from the fruit and sold. An education and conservation programme for young people is underway. Work continues to log the numerous species, providing insect habitats and bird nesting boxes. Jean’s orchard has brought together people who might otherwise never have met in the same village. The orchard is currently open to visitors on certain days but access will be increased".
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