Six years after this photo was taken, a London orchard inspired by the estate’s fruitful past is still going strong.
In February 2019, work began on planting a new community orchard at Edgecombe Hall, breathing life back into a space that had once been full of fruit trees. The estate had an orchard until the 1960s, when it was cleared to make way for 400 new homes. Just four of the original trees remained, serving as a reminder of the land’s history and inspiring the residents’ association to restore the orchard.
With the support of the residents’ participation officer, the council’s arboricultural team, and guidance from The Orchard Project, the vision took shape. A diverse selection of trees – including apple, pear, cherry, walnut, almond, and mulberry – was selected (see planting day below), transforming what had started as a small community garden into a large, flourishing shared space.
This project has always been about more than just trees; it was about reconnecting people with nature and food. Many residents felt that children were growing up without understanding where their food comes from, with fruit often seen only on supermarket shelves. The orchard was created to provide fresh produce for everyone and revive a sense of community.
An orchard aftercare workshop that we ran here at the end of 2024 is testament to the local spirit: 77 people, from 10 months to 90 years-old, came together to give the orchard some TLC. This is what one of the participants had to say:
“On Friday, I was exhausted from carrying heavy shopping home. I was aching all over and barely managed to sleep. The next morning, I almost didn’t make it to the orchard event. But after a few hours of planting, stretching, and working with my hands, I realised that all my pain had disappeared – I felt like I was walking on air! Thank goodness for The Orchard Project!” – Jenny
Jelena Dragovic, head of the residents’ association, reflected on the role the orchard has played in the community:
“It was a mix of excitement and chaos. Everyone contributed seeds, and when I joined, I brought a renewed commitment to gardening. It became more than a pastime – it was a way to release negative energy, connect with nature, and create a meaningful space for everyone, especially the elderly.” – Jelena
Over the years, Edgecombe Hall Orchard has seen both successes and challenges. Residents have grown pomegranates, almonds, cherries, and herbs, but maintaining the space has sometimes been difficult – especially in summer when watering becomes a demanding task. Yet, through perseverance and collaboration, the orchard continues to thrive.
Engaging local children has been a key focus. Events encourage them to plant sunflowers, label their plants, and take responsibility for watering. These small steps help foster a sense of ownership and appreciation for nature. Regular community events ensure that everyone – young and old – can be part of the orchard’s journey.
The Orchard Project has played a crucial role in supporting residents, providing training in pruning and tree care to ensure the orchard remains healthy for years to come. Even during the challenges of the pandemic, we continued to check in, offering advice, training, and resources to keep the momentum going.
“We really appreciate that you haven’t forgotten about our orchard – your continued support and commitment to helping us care for our orchard truly means a lot.” – Jelena
Among the many fond memories shared by residents, one stands out – collecting horse manure from Wimbledon Common! Equipped with rucksacks and a pushchair, they set out on their mission to gather natural fertiliser, demonstrating their dedication to organic gardening and their resourcefulness as a community.
Looking ahead, the orchard represents more than just trees and greenery – it stands as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the power of collective action. Through every planted seed, shared meal, and nurtured tree, the residents of Edgecombe Hall continue to grow – not just as gardeners, but as a community.