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Friends of
BEDFONT LAKES COUNTRY PARK |
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Bedfont Lakes Annual Apple Day was held on Sunday 11th September 2011 Visitors enjoyed a rare chance to explore the "hidden" south side of Bedfont Lakes Country Park on Apple Day. which was held on 11th September this year. The event was organised by the Friends’ group to celebrate the park’s old orchard which contains many varieties of lesser known apples, such as 'Beauty of Bath' and 'Newton’s Wonder'. Participants were able to pick apples and took them away in a range of containers carrier bags to rucksacks. One visitor commented ‘ It was a joy to see, and pick, such examples as Pinner, and an ENGLISH Golden Delicious. Yes, they do exist! ‘ The apple season is quite long so the Friends decided to hold it in early September this year, instead of late October. There was a bumper crop of apples, and some pears too. This was a family event enjoyed by young and old alike. Donations raised over £100 which will go towards supporting projects and buying equippment for use in the park. Brief History In the 1800s about 40% of the London Borough of Hounslow was covered by orchards and this traditional orchard is one of the few left in the area. The orchard, on land originally belonging to the Duke of St Albans, was known as Fawn’s Manor Farm and was bought by William Sherborn in 1780. In 1897 the area became known as Sherborn’s Orchard and is now called the Chattern Community Orchard. It has been restored around several mature trees, and has been extended with young, traditionally grown local varieties such as Annie Elizabeth, Pinner Seedling, and Catshead. In the late 19th and early 20th Centuries the west of London, and the county of Middlesex in particular, was famous for its association with orchards.
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