Stebbing Parish CouncilStebbing Community Orchard
In 2007 Daphne Rogowski, a resident of Stebbing, bequeathed a parcel of land in Stebbing Green to the Trustees of the Stebbing Village Hall. The land is approx. 3 acres and laid to meadow, and a section was assigned as a small orchard. In 2012 and 2014, 13 trees were planted, including 11 apple trees. Since then, the meadow has been left as a sanctuary for wildlife, insects and wildflowers, cared for by a local volunteer. However, the attention of local deer and rabbits have taken its toll on the orchard element and currently many of original trees are in a poor condition. The site was classified a Local Green Space in 2022 in the Stebbing Neighbourhood Plan due to its environmental value, but it attracts very few visitors.
In 2026 the Stebbing Parish Council saw an opportunity to make this a restoration community project, involving various groups within the village and turn the area into a Community Orchard for the benefit of all. Grants from Uttlesford District Council's Zero Carbon fund and our two District Councillors have allowed this project to commence.
This web site will chart the progress of the project and give out updates and information to villagers.
Latest Updates
The Stebbing Orchard team had a very successful stall at the Village Fayre and received 17 offers to donate trees to the orchard. As well as lots of offers to volunteer help with the set-up and support of the orchard.
Currently we have the following grants / donations for the orchard:
- Uttlesford District Council – Carbon Zero grant - £4,000.
- Standsted Airport Connuinty grant - £3,000.
- Lottery grant - £15,400.
- District Councillors (John Evan & Richard Silcock) grant - £300.
- Wildlift Trust – 30 trees / hedgerows.
- Commence construction of a fence to protect the trees.
- Commence connecting a water supply to the orchard.
- Agree tree suppliers.
- Agree the orchard layout.
