On 9 and 27 November, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s (EEBC) Countryside team, with the help of the Friends of Horton Country Park and volunteers, planted a total of eight heritage trees in Lambert’s Orchard in Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve. These trees will help replenish existing stock, replacing some trees that are over 100 years old, and will help local varieties to flourish

All eight of the heritage fruit trees are known varieties in the south of England and were locally sourced. The EEBC Countryside team organised the planting of apple trees: William Peters; George Carpenter; Claygate Pearmain; Blenheim Orange; Elstar; and Red Windsor, also known as Sweet Lilibet as this was the favourite apple of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II. An Onward pear tree and an Old Greengage plum tree were also planted.

Activities included the team clearing scrub from around previously planted trees to create space for them to grow. Newly planted trees were also fenced off to prevent deer browsing nearby and inadvertently killing young trees.

This activity was rolled out as part of the Horton Country Park Management Plan and Lambert Orchard’s Management Plan. Management of Lambert’s Orchard also feeds into Epsom & Ewell Borough Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

Councillor Liz Frost, Chair of the Environment Committee said:

“The aim of our Biodiversity Action Plan is to ensure the long-term protection and enhancement of biodiversity across all our parks and green spaces.  Tree planting plays a major role in this by replenishing stock and ultimately supporting invaluable habitats.

Thanks to the Countryside team, Friends of Horton Country Park and all volunteers.  Not only have they helped with this activity, but they continue to support our Countryside team with a range of activities that ultimately help biodiversity to flourish.”

More information

• Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve - Horton Country Park Local Nature Reserve | Epsom and Ewell Borough Council
• Biodiversity Action Plan - Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-30  helps ensure both the long term protection and enhancement of biodiversity within our borough. This is the second 10-year Biodiversity Action Plan. This feeds into the council’s key priorities and the Climate Change Action Plan, the 2025-2029 Climate Change Action Plan will be adopted from 1 January 2025.
• The Countryside team volunteers carry out a conservation task every Thursday on either Horton Country Park, Epsom Common or the Hogsmill Local Nature Reserves, helping EEBC staff to manage biodiversity and maintain good public access.
• The Friends of Horton Country Park were formed in October 1999 to provide a line of communication between Epsom & Ewell Borough Council (the owners) and members of the general public interested in improving Horton Country Park. The group is well established with regular newsletters and conservation tasks.
• The Lower Mole Partnership has been working in Horton Country Park since 1983, carrying out work to improve public access and for nature conservation. The partnership offices are based in West Park Farm House in the Country Park and the partnership is always seeking new volunteers. The Partners are Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, Surrey Country Council, Elmbridge Borough Council, Mole Valley District Council and Royal borough of Kingston Upon Thames.
• The Epsom & Ewell Borough Council Climate Change Action Plan - https://www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/climate-change