Bratton celebrates 90 years of community orchard

Villagers in Bratton gathered for a community picnic to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Reeves Orchard and honour two volunteers who helped bring the historic space back to life. 

The event was held on Sunday 9th August and included a teddy bear picnic, barbecue, nature trail, apple fact competition and teddy bear throwing competition. 

 

1 of 5

- +

“The children really got stuck into it,” said parish councillor Eddie Cole. “They really enjoyed throwing the teddy bear!” 

The occasion also saw special plaques unveiled for Mike Pearce and Warren Harding in recognition of their work to restore and develop the orchard. 

The orchard was planted with eating and cooking apples for the market between 1934 and 1936 by Philip Smith. 

When the business closed in the 1980s, Marjorie Reeves bought the orchard for her family. It was later donated to Bratton Parish Council in 1989, with the stipulation that it should be kept in perpetuity for the enjoyment of Bratton residents. 

The main orchard retains many of its original trees and a smaller orchard alongside it is dedicated to Wiltshire apple varieties. 

According to Bratton Parish Council, Reeves Orchard is now the only comprehensive apple collection in Wiltshire and has inspired other villages to follow its lead. 

The council said much of the work to rejuvenate the orchard came from Mike Pearce and Warren Harding, who took on the task after the space had become neglected. 

Steve Crosby, who leads the current team of orchard volunteers, invited the two men to unveil plaques celebrating their contribution. 

Mike Pearce was unable to attend because he was unwell, but Warren Harding was present and spoke about his work planting the Wiltshire apple orchard. 

One of the trees he planted, Julia’s Late Golden, is now in Windsor Castle Gardens. He also recalled meeting the late Queen when the tree was delivered to Windsor. 

The afternoon was organised with the help of local volunteers and included a nature trail featuring wooden animals, an apple hunt and activities for children. 

The orchard was also decorated with painted wooden apples spelling out ‘Reeves Orchard’, created by members of the Monday Munch and Make group. 

The event was supported by volunteers who prepared the orchard ahead of the picnic and helped run the activities on the day. 

“This was truly a community occasion,” one volunteer said. “All sorts of people contributed to today’s events.” 

For more information about Reeves Orchard, visit https://brattonparishcouncil.gov.uk/directory/listing/reeves-orchard/.