Aldershot’s community orchard springs to life

A new orchard planted in the northern corner of Queen’s Parade sports fields is beginning to blossom, bringing a touch of nature and community spirit to Aldershot.

The Aldershot Community Orchard, planted by Aspire Defence Services last winter, is part of a broader initiative to introduce orchards to every garrison in Aldershot and Salisbury Plain.

The goal is to offer fresh, freely available fruit to everyone using the site.

Twenty young fruit trees have been planted which include a mix of apple and pear trees, along with a handful of apricot and plum varieties. Where possible, local tree types were chosen to reflect the region’s agricultural heritage and support native biodiversity.

Each tree is marked with a helpful sign explaining the type of fruit and the best time of year to harvest it. This thoughtful touch ensures that visitors will be able to enjoy the simple pleasure of picking ripe fruit straight from the branch.

Aspire Defence CEO Allan Thomson said:

“These orchards are a gentle reminder of the joy found in shared green spaces and the benefits of planting for the future.

“It’s a small way to give back to the community and encourage people to enjoy the outdoors together. I look forward to visiting over the next few years and see the trees growing and flourishing.”