Pevensey Road Nature Reserve near Feltham, Hounslow lies on the banks of the River Crane. The site is home to species-rich wildflower meadows, a damp woodland and a large number of veteran apple and pear trees. Over the course of 2017 and 2018 local volunteers planted 20 young fruit trees including the rare Hounslow Wonder.
Where can I find it? The site forms a loop around the South West Middlesex Crematorium, TW13 5JH. The entrance is at the junction between the Hounslow Road and Pevensey Road.
Can I visit? It is open to the public year round.
How do I get there? 20 minute walk from Feltham station. The 111 and the H25 busses stop at the reserve entrance.
What is there? There are 25 veteran trees scattered across the site, mainly apple and pear. These trees have not been identified and some are likely to be seedlings. 20 young fruit trees were also planted on-site in 2017/18. These are apple, pear, cherry and plum and include the rare Hounslow Wonder.
History of the orchard
The history of this orchard is unclear. We know that there was a farm on the site until the early 20th century and the old maps show orchards in the surrounding fields. A sewage works was built here in the 1940s but quickly abandoned, leaving the surrounding area as a public space and nature reserve. The large number of apple and pear trees on site would suggest this was a formal orchard, although who planted the trees and when is still unclear.
Biodiversity highlights & habitat
The range of habitat types here provides a home to a wealth of wildlife. Red kites, buzzards and kestrels are often seen and if you’re lucky you might spot a kingfisher in the woodland. The meadows and scrub provide a home to numerous invertebrates including stag beetles and green hairstreak butterflies. Aside from fruit trees the site is home to notable black poplar and veteran alder trees.
Working together
We worked alongside Green Gym rangers in 2018/19 to provide advice on the management of the site. Formative pruning of the young trees and restorative pruning of the veteran trees took place. The group were also trained in grafting using local varieties Hounslow Wonder, Feltham Beauty and Scarlet Pearmain.
Learn more about our restoration work and Celebration of Orchards project here.
To the best of our knowledge, the information on this webpage is correct, but it is possible that some of it is out-of-date.