Welcome to Waterfurlong Orchard Gardens - fifty unique, private allotment gardens in the heart of Stamford, created for local townspeople in 1875 by the Marquess of Exeter on pastureland once grazed by the medieval Austin Friars.
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We are lucky enough to have almost 200 ancient apple trees of numerous heritage varieties and Natural England recognises our plots collectively as a Traditional Orchard, a rare, precious and vulnerable habitat that has almost vanished from the English landscape. Browse our site to learn more about the gardens' fascinating history, apple trees and wildlife and to learn about the gardeners who tended them in past centuries.
Karen and Julia have been served notice by land agent Strutt & Parker to quit Plot 15 and given no legitimate reason. They have lovingly restored their garden over six years and many of the photos on this site come from it.
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PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION AGAINST THEIR EVICTION!
Waterfurlong is enjoyed not just by our gardeners but by the many walkers who love this little oasis. Enjoy the Gallery of our gardens' changing year - from snow-blanketed winter, to the pink froth of spring blossom, through to apple harvest.
Although the plots are private, we value the support of friends near and far and hope we can share some of the gardens' magic through this site and our accompanying blog, The Plot Thickens.
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The fragile habitat unfortunately prevents us opening to the public, but we are working with The People's Trust for Endangered Species to see how we can widen access without harming our rich and diverse wildlife.
Karen's history book on 200 years of gardening and gardeners in Stamford and surrounding villages is due to be published in 2022. Enjoy advance snippets on our blog The Plot Thickens.