The Community Orchard at Woughton on the Green celebrates its 50th anniversary this year!
Planted in 1976 by the Milton Keynes Development Corporation, the orchard is the largest of its kind in the city and is now cared for by The Parks Trust alongside volunteers from the Mid Shires Orchard Group.
Home to 19 native apple varieties, the orchard continues its original purpose of offering free fruit for local people to enjoy. To mark the golden anniversary, several community events will take place in 2026, including a traditional Wassail Ceremony on 24 January, a Spring Picnic on 9 May, a Summer Picnic on 25 July, and the popular Apple Day on 17 October. Full event details are available on theparkstrust.com/goldenorchard
The orchard’s history stretches back even further to its days as Cottage Farm, once home to Patch, a much‑loved Shire horse whose name lives on in the nearby allotments. As part of the anniversary, The Parks Trust is inviting residents to share personal memories and stories of the orchard. Visitors are reminded to collect apples from the ground rather than picking from the trees to help protect them.
Amy Gerhard, Events & Community Engagement Assistant at The Parks Trust says “The orchard has always been for the people of Milton Keynes, and this anniversary is a chance to celebrate that together. From the Wassail to picnics and Apple Day, these events are all about bringing neighbours, families, and friends together to share in its rich history and vibrant future.”
Find out more on theparkstrust.com/goldenorchard
