Visit our orchards
The orchards provide an abundance of apples and are a good habitat for wildlife. The Old Stanmer Orchard and Home Farm Orchard are open to the public throughout the year and can also be visited by schools and groups by arrangement.
The Home Farm Orchard
Home Farm Orchard is easily accessible. One entrance is near the Patchway car park entrance. A small path leads to the orchard, on the opposite side of the road to the tower end of the church. You can also enter near our Fruit Factory – look for the gap between two large trees beside the public toilets, just across from Stanmer Tearooms.
While exploring, please don’t pick the fruit, unless there are signs up inviting you to do so.
Old Stanmer Orchard
As you head towards One Garden, turn left just before the entrance. Follow the path alongside the old glasshouse, then turn right at the end of the wall to enter the orchard.
Identifying the Sussex apple trees in the Home Farm Orchard
As you enter the orchard, you’ll see many Sussex apple varieties on your right, trained as cordons against wires — a useful way of growing apple trees where space is limited.
You’ll also find bush apple trees planted throughout the orchard, and along the hedge, Sussex varieties that will grow into large standard trees. Each Sussex variety can be identified by a label showing its name in red.
Young Sussex apple trees you can see in Home Farm Orchard include: Aldwick Beauty, Alfriston, Bossom, Coronation, Crawley Beauty, Crawley Reinette, Dr Hogg, Duck’s Bill, Eastbourne Pippin, Edmund Jupp, Egremont Russet, First and Last, Forge, Golden Bounty, Golden Pippin, Hawkridge, Knobby Russet, Mannington’s Pearmain, Mareda, Nanny, Saltcote Pippin, Sussex Mother, Tinsley Quince, and Wadhurst Pippin.
Until recently, many of these Sussex varieties were very rare. Part of the work of Brighton Permaculture Trust, along with other organisations, has been to propagate them and plant them in schools and community sites across the county. This helps ensure their survival and allows them to become more widely known and appreciated.
Brighton Permaculture Trust is also monitoring the trees to discover which varieties thrive best under organic growing conditions.
Why revitalise old orchards?
Orchards are priority habitats under the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan. Fruit trees are particularly good habitats for wildlife because they get old relatively quickly. Features such as hollow trunks and dead wood are great for beetles and bats, while spring blossom attracts many species of pollinating insects.
The loss of traditional orchards in the UK has been a significant challenge, leading to a decline in biodiversity, the disappearance of heritage apple varieties, and the erosion of traditional agricultural landscapes. Their disappearance threatens ecosystems, local food sources, and the cultural heritage associated with orchards.
With our work we’re addressing these losses and restoring the ecological and cultural richness.
National Collection of Sussex Apples
In September 2013, the array of Sussex apple varieties thriving in the orchards of Stanmer Park, achieved a prestigious status by being recognised as a National Collection. This collection serves as a vital genetic resource and reference site, offering valuable insights for both commercial growers and gardeners alike.
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.