Kent Orchards for Everyone
Kent Orchards for Everyone was a project that worked with 15 community orchards of traditional character across the Mid Kent Downs and west of Maidstone. The project supported communities in celebrating and conserving their traditional orchards, fostering local pride and biodiversity.
The project engaged communities from Morella Walk, Lenham, Iwade, Gillingham, High Halstow, Lynsted, Sheldwich, Weavering, Hucking, Plaxtol, Yalding, Stockbury, New Ash Green, West Malling, and Milstead. Hunton even established a new community orchard near the village hall as part of the initiative.
‘Kent Orchards for Everyone’ encouraged residents to explore and enjoy their community orchards while discovering the wildlife thriving among the majestic trees. It provided a unique opportunity for local people to celebrate their orchard heritage, share memories, volunteer, and participate in surveys and educational events.
The project offered extensive opportunities for volunteers to reconnect with their local orchard heritage while gaining valuable orchard management skills such as pruning and grafting. An educational program and a series of training workshops supported good management practices within the community orchards. And information from each orchard was digitized and made accessible online. To celebrate this rich heritage, the project hosted seasonal events, including apple pressing and cherry tastings. It culminated in the establishment of the Kent Orchard Trust, ensuring the legacy of community involvement and orchard care would continue.
Memory-gathering events took place across the region, inviting residents to share family stories and traditions connected to their orchards. Event updates and opportunities were regularly shared on the Kent Orchards for Everyone website and Facebook page, keeping the community engaged with all things orchard-related.
Further Information
For further information about managing an Orchard you can download the Orchards chapter from the Land Managers Pack which gives guidance on managing your land.