Kingston was once covered in orchards and this is reflected in the road names especially around Hook/Chessington. There is even a Kingston heritage apple Kingston heritage apple and an Apple Store that has fallen into disrepair. Apple walks are found in a leaflet, which can be provided on request. The next Apple Walk will be lead by the Ramblers under the auspices of Kingston Society (13.3.25).
There has also been a move over the last ten years to put back some of the missing fruit trees.
Tolworth Apple Store
Alpha Road Estate fruit route 20.1.25
We have planted 9 trees through the estate from Shalston Villas to Alpha Road at the end of Hobhill walk. This Fruit Route will create a delightful walk through the estate but also contribute to the abundance of existing trees by providing pollination partners for fruit trees.
Last year we undertook some fundraising walks to assist in the purchase of trees and compost and during a bat walk we found there was already a traditional pear tree hidden by a crinkle crankle wall. These serpentine walls can be built for cheapness, to decrease the use of bricks. But oriented correctly, they are
good for growing fruit against – the indentations provide a bit of
shelter from the wind, and if the wall is south-facing, they hold the
sun's warmth.
Alpha Road Estate orchardists photo Cllr T. Reeve
Sir Ed Davey with Mary and Elliot
The planting template has taken
account of existing trees in the community, such as a traditional pear
tree at the Alpha Road end of Hobhill Walk, which was planted
before the estate was built.
There is a smaller
pear at Fiddlers Green. Our new orchard
requires pollinator partners and pollinator groups to ‘partner’ the
existing trees have been chosen (e.g. two additional pears). But opposite our new bed, a 4 storey development is planned (after demolition of the building).
The development will directly impact on the new bed opposite it’s entrance,
which has Apricot, Quince and fruit bushes. It was chosen to be a welcome to the
estate, and now we learn that the route is to be closed, hoarded and
will probably end up covered in construction debris.
New bed opposite Fiddler's Green photo Yuwing Wong
Planning Application https://publicaccess.kingston.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=SNKFA9NHKRD00&activeTab=summary
Objection to 24/02958/FUL
This is an overdevelopment of the site and an inappropriate way to treat trees of this stature, including removal of the Pear. The TPO’d tree wasn’t properly identified, so how is there confidence to accept the corkscrewing of this magnificent tree into a much smaller space will be successful.
Leaves indicate the tree is a Pin Oak Q. palustris
When trees are suddenly removed from a group or crown lifted/reduced, the ability to mechanically-sense the changed environmental conditions is much impeded.
That is, they are cannot develop any reactive growth. Trees growing individually and as a group - form shapes - that assist in reducing the impact of the wind. Pruning or removing trees within the group increases the drag on what remains.
Removing lateral growth can encourage top growth; slender branches, more prone to wind damage. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.
So, it is often the case that this shoe-horning a tree to facilitate an overdevelopment, is in fact, a sure way of it’s failure and subsequent removal a few years down the line. This is a valued public asset and should not be treated in this way.
The Eco report does no justice to the setting or the existing wildlife. We have carried out bat walks in the area and found there to be an important commuting route through the neighbourhood.
A bat survey should have been carried out before validation of the application. The ridge tiles clearly show failure of the material, leading to gaps, which could facilitate bat access.
Broken ridge tiles
The eco report missed many local records and this is often the case when those who live so remote from the area completely dismiss an urban site. In addition to bat species, there are Hedgehogs recorded on Hedgehog Street at King Charles’ road and many Stag Beetle records. The application should be refused.
Orchards have many benefits for wildlife and increasing this habitat in community spaces would help animals such as hedgehogs, as well as birds, insects etc. free fruit tree(s) are available for your community space for next winter 25-26? If you would like a tree (s) please submit the following:
- the landowners permission (must be in Kingston borough)
- a fruit tree request by the end of the July 2025 if possible
- anything else you need (tools, assistance, tree cages)
- a watering plan
Orchard requests will be considered from Friends Groups
In addition, volunteers are sought to look after an existing orchard in need of TLC as well as help establishing new orchards.
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