Dartmouth Community Orchard

Dartmouth Community Orchard is a local green space and traditional orchard, and is a valuable area for both wildlife and the public.

Dartmouth Community Orchard is a local green space and traditional orchard, and is a valuable area for both wildlife and the public.

We believe the it to be:
- A community asset that should be open to members of the public and their well behaved pets at all times.
- A place to conserve West Country fruit tree species, especially apples.
- A valuable space for a range of wildlife, both in itself and as part of a network of green spaces in and around Dartmouth.

We interpret the term ‘wildlife’ widely to include trees and plants, birds, mammals, amphibians and insects, and we believe that wildlife conservation involves not only safeguarding individual species or specimens, but in conserving the diversity which enables them to thrive.

The Orchard occupies a prominent hillside position between College Way and Ridge Hill /Mount Boone. It covers 3. 3 acres and is owned by Dartmouth Town Council who described it in their 2006 Strategy Document as a "community orchard" managed for wildlife conservation and quiet recreation.

In 1995, field experts carried out a wildlife survey of its trees and plant life. It was clear that the Orchard is a valuable place for wildlife. Sixty-six species of plant including 'massive sweet chestnuts. . . a large Monterey pine. . . and some magnificent oaks' provided feeding, roosting and breeding habitats for birds like tawny owls, woodpeckers and blackcaps as well as other small creatures including bats. The Orchard is also rich in insect life.

Since 1996 the orchard has been restored with the planting of 70 new apple trees and the introduction of seats and signage to encourage visitors to come and enjoy this special place.