The Town Council is planting a new community orchard at Batchelors Farm to mark the 30th anniversary of the Council’s purchase of the land. Work has begun on fencing the area and volunteers are being sought to help with the planting on Tuesday 28th March – register here for details – with half of the planned eighty fruit trees being planted this year.

Batchelors Farm comprises 33 acres of open space on the south side of Burgess Hill which was bought by the Town Council to protect the countryside and preserve it for future generations. With sweeping views to the South Downs, the nature reserve is well used by local people and the orchard aims to provide free fruit and support a greater connection with food sources and the local environment. Planting trees which yield fruit year after year builds our food security and community resilience, creating habitats for wildlife, and increasing biodiversity.