Petersham Meadows were a part of the estate attached to Ham House from the early 17th Century until the latter years of the 19th Century. There are 14 trees of which 11 are apples and 3 pears. The fruit trees are between 10 and 80 years old.
Winter pruning workshop with Orchard Bob, at Petersham Meadows Orchard
Where can you find it: Petersham Meadows, Church Lane, Petersham Road, Richmond, TW10 7AB
Nearest station: Richmond
Can I visit: Yes
Orchard owner: National Trust’s Ham House garden departmen
Petersham Meadows Map
History of the Orchard
Petersham Meadows were a part of the estate attached to Ham House from the early 17th Century until the latter years of the 19th Century. There have been cows grazing on Petersham Meadows from, at least, that time. The grazing herd have been featured in many of the famous paintings and photographs made of the world renowned view from Richmond Hill.
Cows grazing the meadows
Biodiversity Highlights & Habitat
The grass has not been mowed in almost a decade, and is instead grazed by a herd of Belted Galloway cows in the summer months.
Robber Fly, on a veteran apple tree.
Community Involved
The orchard is cared for by National Trust’s Ham House garden volunteers and staff. In addition to this we have run days with NCS The Challenge for local teenagers, and run a number of restoration and pruning workshops.
NCS The Challenge day in the orchard, 2016
Winter Orchard Restoration, 2017