Existing orchards

This orchard is sadly overgrown. As part of the Henge Farm project, local volunteers planted around 50 fruit trees in 2007. Sadly, the project experienced setbacks, so the site is currently abandoned. Around 6 trees remain, shaded within the woodland near Underwood Close. 

Area: Bramingham/ Northwell border
Access: land status uncertain, possibly privately owned
Google Map link

Inside the historic walled garden, you'll find a wonderful selection of 37 fruit trees of different ages, including replanted heritage varieties and Luton's famous Pam's Delight apple at the entrance gate. Although the garden is outside of Luton, it's included due to the strong historic link between Luton and Luton Hoo. 

Area:  Luton Hoo Estate
Access: only during opening times of the garden/events only, entrance fee, privately owned
Google Map link
National inventory ID: BEDF0261

Tended to by the farmers of Manor Farm, an orchard has been here since at least the 1842 Tithe records. Around 8 trees remain including Bramley's Seedling and crab apples, guarded by a pair of feisty geese. 

Area: Stopsley
Access: no public access, privately owned
Google Map Link

This little 5-tree orchard defies the odds. Planted in the last decade or so, the trees are clinging on to life. Set back slightly from the footpath, this tree needs local champions - could it be you?  

Area: Leagrave/Hockwell Ring
Access: anytime, council-owned
Google Map link

Planted in around 2008, this orchard along Nunnery Lane just within the boundary of the allotments consists of around a dozen heritage fruit trees. It is maintained and enjoyed by the plotholders.  

Area: Barnfield/Saints border
Access: no public access, plot holders only, council-owned
Google Map link

Planted in 2019 and 2021, this orchard enjoys a sunny spot near the Green Flag on Bell's Close, on the Havelock Road side of the People’s Park. It contains 27 trees, including vigorous varieties on M25 rootstock supplied by Orchards East. The orchard is looked after by Friends of People's Park, Edible High Town, and others during the monthly litter pick. It includes favourite heritage apple varieties such as Egremont Russet and plums including Aylesbury Prune and Marjorie's Seedling. 

Area: High Town
Access: anytime, common land
Google Map link

Just outside the town of Luton, currently somewhat overgrown, this orchard is part of a Gertrude Jekyll designed formal garden, owned by the University of Bedfordshire. The around 21 veteran fruit trees would make a lovely place for pruning courses and apple days in the future. It is included in our list due to the strong historic link between Luton and Putteridge Bury. 

Area: Putteridge Bury (just outside Luton)
Access: no public access, privately owned, University of Bedfordshire
Google Map link
National inventory ID: BEDF0430

Planted in 2023, young trees wind along the Riddy Lane open space with a collection of 'folk fruit' including medlars, mulberry, walnut, crab apple and rowan trees. The trees are struggling to establish, but with a little more care, this orchard alley has real potential. Could you help? 

Area: Barnfield
Access: anytime,  council-owned
Google Map link

Access: no public access

The orchard was mapped on the National Grid maps from the 1960s. A few trees still exist in back gardens along Rosslyn Crescent, and a property bears the name 'The Orchard'. 

Area: Barnfield
Access: no public access, privately owned

Currently overgrown, this orchard consists of 5 trees that were planted in around 2011 at the bottom of the Dallow Downs Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is not looked after by anyone - but the Council is hoping to revive it as part of wider works at the SSSI. This orchard needs apple allies, can you help? 

Area: Dallow
Access: anytime, council-owned
Google Map link

Five trees make an orchard - and this is what the congregation at St Andrew's church on Blenheim Crescent planted to kick-start the Biscot Peace and Wellbeing Hub in 2024. The trees include  heritage varieties such as Pam's Delight, Laxton's Early Crimson and Beauty of Bedford.

Area: Biscot
Access: only during community gardening sessions at the Biscot Wellbeing Hub, church of England-owned
Google Map link

Within the walled garden at Stockwood Park in South Luton, this orchard is part of the gardens at Stockwood Discovery Centre. A elegant row of espalier-trained apples was planted around the 1980s, wall-trained pears and plums plus a few standard trees.

Area: Farley
Access: during opening hours of Stockwood Discovery Centre, free, council-owned
Google Map link