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Planting an Orchard at Shugborough Estate

Pear blossom in the walled garden growing along the wall
Pear blossom in the walled garden growing along the wall | © David Goacher

The gardens are ‘growing’ here at Shugborough Estate, as work is underway to re-design the walled garden and open access to closed areas of the historic gardens. This will include the reinstating of an Orchard within the historic slip gardens.

A welcoming, accessible, and immersive two-acre Orchard is being planted around the Walled Garden, in the Slip Gardens, where we have significant historical evidence that an Orchard once stood. As part of this project,144 trees will be planted, including apple, pear and quince. Where possible growing both local and heritage varieties of apple.

Making a haven for pollinators and visitors alike, the orchard will sit in an ecologically diverse meadow, peaking year-round interest, with spring bulbs, blossom, and summer wildflowers making way for a productive harvest in the autumn season. With mown paths and spots to picnic, visitors will find plenty of space to relax and enjoy their surroundings all year round.

The Orchard is expected to open in spring 2026.

Our work so far

2022-2025

Creating a Yew Tree Tunnel

Connecting Arcadia and the Orchard is a path which will be shaded by a Yew Tree tunnel. Formed from an overgrown hedge, work began on the tunnel in 2022. Following a hard prune and crown reduction the internal side branches have been weighted, encouraging curved growth, and creating a playful tunnel journey between the two developing gardens.   

Apples near the Walled Garden in July at Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire
Apples near the Walled Garden at Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire in July | © National Trust Images/Mike Selby
key facts

Accessibility is at the heart of this project

With hard standing paths, quiet spaces and a variety of accessible furniture, it is our aim for this Orchard to be welcoming and accessible.

It's about improving habitats

Planting our orchard helps us contribute to establishing carbon-rich habitats and support Shugborough’s aim of being carbon net-zero. To help achieve this we are planting trees, wildflower meadows and bulbs which help thrive pollinators year round.

We are working with a changing climate

Traditional orchards are defined as groups of fruit and nut trees planted on vigorous rootstocks and planted at low densities. These trees offer longevity of over a hundred years, biodiversity, and carbon capture. To work with a changing climate, we are planting varieties of apple tree, that may not have traditionally been planted in Staffordshire, but instead further south, in a warmer climate.

Frequently asked questions

Gardener working in the Walled Garden at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
Gardener working in the Walled Garden at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire | © National Trust Images/David Goacher
Aerial view of Arcadia
Article
Article

Building Arcadia: Creating a Forest Garden 

Learn more about our work to re-design and develop the Walled Garden at Shugborough Estate.

Children in the walled garden at Shugborough Estate
Article
Article

Explore the garden at Shugborough 

Explore the walled garden, formal gardens and arboretum at Shugborough in Staffordshire.

Visitors, one in a wheelchair, explore the Walled Garden at Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire
Article
Article

Accessibility at Shugborough Estate 

Here you’ll find information about access across the different areas of Shugborough Estate and how to make the most of your visit.

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