We wanted to show the way cultivated fruit was developed from wild fruit trees. It is important to maintain biodiversity so that we have wild plants to look for new qualities in our cultivated plants. The orchard is being developed into our main minibeast hunting area.

How it was created
We think this area was an orchard in the past, but it was re-planted with ornamental trees when the War Memorial Gardens over the hedge were created. Nearby are several young wild fruit trees such as damson, bullace and crab-apple, planted in 1998. Further down are a variety of heritage fruit such as medlar, quince and apple, for instance Bramley’s Seedling have been planted to replace the ornamental cherries which grew here until recently.

What happens there
As well as being good for wildlife, the fruits have been used to make organic wine! This area is busing being developed into our main minibeast hunting area.