Watch Stephan Gehrels introduce Racehill Orchard and invite you to join our community efforts in nurturing this vibrant green space.
Join Us at Racehill Orchard!
Racehill Orchard is a wonderful place to connect with nature—and people! Our activities change with the seasons, but you can always count on a warm welcome and a good cup of tea.
We usually have a team member on site Sundays (11am–3pm) and some Tuesdays to coordinate volunteer tasks. Whether it’s clearing brambles, mulching trees, scything, or spotting wildlife, there’s something for everyone.
Interested? Please register to join a volunteer session and get involved!
What is a community orchard?
Community orchards are places where varieties of fruit are grown by and for local people. They provide healthy fruit to share, as well as a green haven for simple contemplation and enjoyment.
They are also excellent wildlife habitats. The combination of fruit trees, grassland, scrub and other features offer a range of habitats. For example, a range of animals and insect life have been recorded within several hundred meters of the Racehill site. These include slow worms, adders and dunnocks.
Community orchards can also help save vulnerable varieties of local apple, pear, cherry, plum and damson.
In a similar way to community gardens, community orchards can revive interest in growing and providing a way of sharing knowledge and horticultural skills.
History of Racehill Orchard
Racehill Community Orchard launched in January 2013 after a public consultation conducted by Brighton & Hove Food Partnership’s Harvest Project. A whopping 88% of respondents said they would like to see an orchard on the site.
View the results of the consultation
An environmental impact assessment found that the community orchard would not have any significant adverse impact on Whitehawk Hill Local Nature Reserve.
You can also review the Council consultation on the nature reserve.The land is leased from the council, with the Brighton & Hove City Council Park rangers also helping with work on the orchard.
Management of the orchard
Racehill Orchard was originally managed by a community group of local people who volunteered regularly to plant trees, undertake conservation activities and enjoy being outside.
Now, Brighton Permaculture Trust has taken over management of the site, after leading the planting activities. Brighton Permaculture Trust has a decade’s worth of experience helping people plant and maintain orchards. We continue to work in partnership with local residents, Brighton & Hove Food Partnership, and the Brighton & Hove City Council.
Under the guidance of Brighton Permaculture Trust, Racehill Orchard now boasts two hundred fruit trees and thousands of native hedgerow species. In future years, locals can enjoy the free fruit harvest.
Maintaining the orchard
We hold regular activity days where anyone is welcome to come and get stuck in, or simply enjoy the space. We also welcome any school or volunteer groups to come and lend a hand.
The blue line is the footpath.
Visit Racehill Community Orchard
The orchard is accessible from both Swanborough Drive and Wilson Avenue via a small path that runs alongside Racehill Allotments (marked on the map). From either road, follow this path until you see the allotment entrance—directly opposite, you’ll find a narrower path leading into the orchard. Follow this to reach the site.
Address:
Swanborough Drive
Brighton
BN2 5QB
Getting there by bus
Routes 1, 1A, and 21 stop at Swanborough Drive, which is the last stop on the route.
Routes 2, 2A, and 22 stop along Wilson Avenue, close to the orchard entrance.
Parking is more convenient via the Wilson Avenue entrance.
Racehill Visitor Posters
Welcome to Racehill
Download PDF
Racehill Orchard: Plants
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Racehill Orchard: Wildlife
Download PDF
The Funders
Racehill Community Orchard wouldn’t be possible without the support of a number of volunteers and organisations. We’d particularly like to thank our funders.
Looking for an earth-friendly gift?
Our community orchards are home to hundreds of young trees, each requiring ongoing care and support. Your generous donation ensures that these trees receive the attention they need, from regular watering to mulching and pruning. By supporting young trees today, you contribute to the flourishing orchards that will provide healthy food for generations to come.
Upcoming: Apple Blossom Day
Celebrate the beauty of the orchard in bloom! Join us for a free, family-friendly afternoon of music, talks, orchard tours, and our famous crumble, cider and juice stall. Come enjoy the blossom, learn about permaculture, and welcome the season together. Sunday 26 April, 1–5pm.
Get Involved
There are various ways you can contribute to our mission and get involved with Brighton Permaculture Trust. Explore the opportunities and join us on the journey towards a more resilient world.