Farnham Common Community Orchard

Burnham Beeches Rotary sponsored village organisations to plant trees in the Community Orchard in Temple Dell (A355 Beaconsfield Road, Farnham Common). a planting ceremony took place in February 2012 and an Open Day in September.


The Farnhams' Community Orchard

Burnham Beeches Rotary sponsored village organisations to plant trees in the Community Orchard in Temple Dell (A355 Beaconsfield Road, Farnham Common) several years ago. Local organisations and schools planted trees during February 2012. The Parish Council, together with representatives of Burnham Beeches National Nature Reserve and the Rotary Club now oversees the orchard as well as the school and community activities that are held there. 

Initially twenty nine trees were ordered, including apples, pears, plums, cherries, quince and a medlar, with as many as possible being varieties with a local heritage.  As several were quite unusual, special grafts were organised so that the trees would eventually grow to the appropriate size for the site. Some varieties have well known names like Cox's Orange Pippin originating from Colnbrook and Blenheim Orange. Bishop's Tongue, Langley Bullace and Marjorie's Seedling are more unusual.  Click to see Layout Diagram

The trees were planted and staked and protected against damage by rabbits and deer. Each tree that is sponsored was provided with a sign identifying the tree variety and the name of the sponsoring school, club or society.  

Within the orchard there is an outdoor classroom/entertainment area fitted with benches in a small natural amphitheatre. An orchard sign and interpretation panels were also installed. Over time they will be updated with the active involvement of local schoolchildren. Click to see Teaching Pack which covers some of the content of Key Stages 1 & 2 of the National Curriculum.

The orchard was created to be a resource for the whole community in the Farnham Royal parish and as it matures offers an attractive area where rural traditions such as wassailing, cherry pie and harvest festivals can be enjoyed. The orchard can also be used for teaching children the stages of tree development through leaf and flower bud, about pollination, petal fall, green fruit formation, ripening and harvest. The lives of the insects and birds which live in the trees can also be studied. The children are also be able to enjoy fruit picking and tasting, fruit preparation, cooking and juicing.  

The enthusiasm generated is such that our three local schools and fourteen parish youth, church and voluntary clubs and organisations chose to sponsor trees of their choice and their participation is at the centre of this exciting project.

Michael MillsContact Michael Mills about this page:

(ALL fields required)

(If you are a Rotarian, please name your club.)

back to page above this...

Burnham Beeches Rotary are the sponsors of a community orchard in Farnham Common.

The Farnhams' Orchard Day

back We will be holding the Farnhams' Orchard Day on Saturday September 28th in the Dell, with children's activities, apple-pressing, beekeeping, games, craft stalls and lots more.

'What We Do' Main Pages:

We work in and around the Community in many ways - to help others with their projects and fund raising - some are featured here. We were recently presented with an Award from the Beeches Community Board in recognition of our work in the community.

more  

If you want to use your talents and energy to improve the lives of others in the local community while making new friends, come along to one of our meetings or events to find out more.

more  

Details of some of the events organised by Club members.

more  

We will be holding the 33rd Donkey Derby - a great family day out- at Burnham Park on Saturday May 25th 2024 the weekend of the May Bank Holiday

more  

Our annual Burnham Beeches Rotary Charity Run is a VIRTUAL event and entrants took part during July to September 2022. The funds raised were donated to Shelterbox to help those affected by the Ukraine crisis.

more  

One of the seven areas of focus for Rotary is Supporting the Environment. We take part in Rotary District organised events and work with schools and others in the community to promote awareness of environmental issues

more  

Our Club's international activities

more  

After two years of restrictions we held a Donkey Derby with a difference on Saturday 28th May 2022. There was great arena entertainment, lots of stalls, food offerings, funfair, plus of course - DONKEY RIDES.

more