About Us

In 2007 Alison Rubens and a number of enthusiastic local volunteers established Chorleywood Community Orchard as a registered charity and planted 140 trees with a focus on rare local varieties. Since then the charity has funded and maintained the Orchard for the benefit of the local community. As the organisation has matured and increased its number of supporters it has also been able to partner other local charities and not for profit organisations in their fund raising activities.

The current committee is made up of the following 7 local volunteers

  • Nikki Varnals Chair
  • Kathleen Waller Vice Chair
  • Dave Stunell Treasurer
  • Angela Griffiths Secretary
  • Ann Garner Social Media
  • John Burton Cider and events
  • Dick Mander Cider and web

Our Aims

  • To plant and cultivate local and unusual varieties of fruit.
  • To be open and free for the public to enjoy.
  • To encourage wildlife to inhabit the area.
  • To provide an educational resource for local schools.
  • To be used as a meeting place for local events such as Apple Days.
  • To raise awareness of orchard projects.
  • To promote the health benefits of eating fruit.
  • To encourage people to plant fruit trees in their own gardens.
  • To help our local partners raise funds using produce from local orchards.

The project is thriving due to the involvement of many local volunteers who have helped at work parties, fund raising events and making the chutney, jams, apple juice and cider we produce to sell and donate. Many generous local residents and organisations have also sponsored individual trees. Last but not least, we continue to get support from Three Rivers District Council, the Friends of Chorleywood House Estate and the Countryside Management Service.

If you would like to help us maintain the Orchard or get involved in any way, please contact us or simply become a Friend.