Tollesbury Community Orchard – The Grand Opening 14th June 2025

After months of meticulous planning we were ready for the grand opening at 10am on Saturday June 14th 2025. There was a real buzz around the event and TCP to present the first community orchard to the village.

The orchard group had organised a range of activities for the children such as a treasure hunt and mask making. There was also a fully loaded table of refreshments and homemade cakes for people to indulge on the day. We had our fingers crossed that the weather would hold out which fortunately it did and we had bright sunshine. The 33 trees had all been in place for around four months so were all looking great and some even had some small fruit to show off.

Refreshments served at the Community Orchard opening, for TCP

We had over 120 people turnout for the opening and Adam gave a welcome speech and thanked Tollesbury Parish Council for their continued support and providing the land for the orchard. The King for providing the funding through the Kings Coronation Living Heritage Fund. Maldon District Council, Essex County Council & Essex Forests Initiative for their support and access to funding.

Adam then handed over to Miss Reynolds from Tollesbury Primary School and some of the children. Students from Tollesbury Primary School had written poems to celebrate the orchard opening and some were read out by the children to everyone.

The children then had the task of cutting the ribbon to officially open the orchard which they did a fantastic job in doing.

Left to right, Avabelle, Humphrey, Poppy, Freya and Dexter

Tree Sculpture

We wanted to install a metal tree sculpture which would bring the community together and provide a central focal point for the orchard. The sculpture has been handmade my Simon Earney who has used recycled metal with the majority being salvaged from Tollesbury. The sculpture also provides the opportunity for supporters of the orchard to buy plaques for £60 from us and have installed on the tree. Funds from these plaques will go to fund the upkeep of the orchard and ensure it is maintained for years to come. Each plaque is made from sheet brass and hung from a spinner so it will spin in the wind.

If you would like to sponsor a plaque then click here to complete an application form

Artist Simon Earney with Tree Sculpture

Sponsor a plaque for Community Orchard, Tollesbury

Tollesbury Parish Councillors with Adam pictured as: Andrew St Joseph, Simon Plater (Former Head of TPC), Adam, Sarah Hawes and Mike Bell

Community Orchard opening, drone shot by Mike Olly

The opening proved to be a huge success and it was great to see so many people out and using this fantastic space.

If you would like to get involved in the orchard project in any way then contact the orchard group on orchard@tollesburyclimate.org you can also follow our social media for more updates.