
Lustleigh Town Orchard dates back to medieval times and in 1993 was described by Common Ground as being the “longest established community orchard in England.” The Orchard lies within the Lustleigh Conservation Area and contains a variety of apple trees many of which are very old and on the list of heritage apples at risk. The apples are mostly cider and are collected and used each year by a local cider maker.
In 1965, the orchard owner, Margaret Ellen Bennett gave the orchard to the Parish Council by Deed of Gift. The council immediately designated it an amenity for the local population.
Town Orchard has been used for Lustleigh May Day on an annual basis since 1954 (except during the Covid pandemic in 2020/21). There is a large granite rock bearing the names of all the May Queens in the centre of the Orchard which is used for the crowning of the Queens. A permanent throne was installed on the rock in 2000.
In 2009, Lustleigh Pre-School made a request to the council to fence off a small area of the orchard for “digging and organic gardening” and this nature garden remains in use today. A fenced-off play area sits within the orchard, including Trevor the Tractor, made by local volunteers.
In recent years, the Beltane Morris Dancers have made an annual visit, to celebrate and to lead the village wassail, blessing our trees and encouraging a healthy crop.
The upkeep of the orchard is funded by the parish council with monies also being raised by the picking and selling of the cider apples and mistletoe plus visitor donations. The outer reaches of the orchard are regularly cleared of overgrowth by local volunteers and the grass is often grazed in an environmentally friendly way by sheep.
Lustleigh Town Orchard is a very special place, full of history, a rarity in the modern era, and a true community space.


