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A new orchard has been created at a castle site. The National Trust, English Heritage, and Steyning Community Orchard have joined forces to plant a new orchard in a field to the west of Bramber Castle. The orchard, which is set to become a haven for both people and wildlife, is part of a larger initiative to boost biodiversity.
(Image: National Trust/ Catherine James) On February 19, a team of volunteers from Steyning Community Orchard, along with residents and partners, planted the first batch of fruit trees. Visitors to the site were welcomed and shown the planting process. They were also informed about the significance of orchards and their benefits to the environment.
(Image: National Trust/ Catherine James) Adrian Harrison, the National Trust project officer, said: "This has been a great opportunity for us to work with colleagues from other conservation organisations and members of the local community to create a space that will benefit both people and wildlife. "It’s exciting to see the orchard being created and to think about the legacy that will be left for future generations to enjoy." The orchard, which comprises 22 trees, is a mix of Sussex apple varieties, pear, cherry, medlar, quince, and bullace, a traditional plum.
Another eight trees are set to be added in 2026. Once all the trees are planted, there will be a tree plan accessible to visitors, showing where each variety is growing. (Image: National Trust/ Catherine James) Roger Brown from Steyning Community Orchard Project said: "Steyning Community Orchard was delighted to be invited to join with the National Trust and English Heritage in the planning and planting of this new orchard at the Bramber Castle site.
"We chose a selection of heritage fruit varieties including 10 Sussex variety apples for this very special location." The orchard at Bramber Castle is part of English Heritage's plan to establish flower-rich grasslands called King's Meadows across England over the next ten years. The area around the trees will be restored and managed to create a wildflower-rich meadow that will be home to a diverse range of insects including bees and butterflies, and other wildlife including songbirds.
This project will take time to develop through careful management and the sowing of wildflower seed. Chloe Crick, English Heritage landscape manager, said: "This has been a wonderful opportunity to work with the National Trust, the Steyning Community Orchard volunteers, and the local community to create this idyllic space, to turn Bramber Castle into a site not only rich in history but in nature too. "We hope this project will create a lasting natural legacy that will be enjoyed for many years to come.
" The project is set to create a lasting natural legacy, rich in wildlife, to be enjoyed by generations to come. For those interested in learning more about the organisations involved in this project, further information can be found on their respective websites. The orchard is not only expected to be a beautiful addition to the landscape but is also set to become a vital habitat for pollinators such as bees, and other wildlife.
It is hoped that the future visitors and local residents will benefit from this initiative..
