Dawlish Water Community Orchard was started in 2023 on a three acre plot in Ashcombe Valley. There used to be many orchards in the valley but most have been lost. Local fruit trees donated by people in the community, as well as a generous grant of trees by the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, were planted in 2023 and will be joined by more donated trees in the 2024 season. The orchard is being managed for maximum wildlife benefit with roughly a third of the meadow around the trees being cut each year and the rest left uncut. Local people have donated equipment, time and labour towards the orchard and also enjoy the space freely.
It is used as a place of recreation, to fly kites, walk and play, there is a firepit for barebecues and get-togethers. Most importantly it is a peaceful place where folk can go to relax and connect with nature. There are ID cards for insects and butterflies. A dog poo bin is being built and a compost loo will hopefully get built shortly.
A fruit hedge is being planted across the site, which will be a valuable source of food for wildlife as well as a connecting habitat. We intend as a community to manage the site for nature – as a part of nature.
In future we hope to build a tea-shed which could also be used for workshops based around orchard maintenance, wildlife support, fruit preservation and nature-based crafts.
The site is located beside Ashcombe Road, two miles inland from Dawlish seafront, at EX7 0QW.

