Orchard Project

In partnership with DAISY (Disability Arts in Surrey), SOLD received a Heritage Lottery Grant to replant and reinvigorate their derelict Orchard at High Ashurst. Working with DAISY member groups, Link Able, The Grange, Artventure and Halow, all who support adults with disabilities, we ran a series of events and workshops on site, with Surrey History Centre and with RHS Wisley garden.

The Orchard at High Ashes Farm

The High Ashurst estate has a history dating back to 1706, where the earliest records of the site refer to it as 'High Ashes Farm'.

The pleasure grounds are laid out with attention to picturesque effect.

In front are raised terraces, with low walls, ornamented with vases; and at a short distance is a greenhouse and conservatory.

The grounds include orchards, ornamental gardens and rockery.

The project will help save and preserve a very important orchard cultivated during Victorian times. There is no doubt that if the orchard trees are not identified and replanted the area will be repurposed.

If this happens we will lose a fantastic opportunity to not only preserve our garden heritage, but also to offer this potential interesting learning opportunity for young people and people with disabilities.

The apple variety once identified will help us to understand and preserve apple varieties cultivated to suit our climate, and offer a very sustainable supply of fruit for site visitors to consume.

The 3 remaining trees in the orchard are now in rapid decline.

Early map of High Ashurst showing green houses and main house. Surrounded by sculptured grounds.