Discovering the Tony Locke Orchard

Did you know that in 2013 work commenced on creating a Community Orchard in Milford on Sea?, and that in 2022 the orchard was renamed to the Tony Locke Orchard.

The orchard was created for local people to enjoy and benefit from, and to provide a habitat for insects, such as bumblebees and butterflies.

As most of the trees have only been planted in the last few years, there are only a couple of mature trees that produce apples. However, in coming years it is hoped the fruit crop will grow substantially and then the Parish Council will then decide how to distribute them fairly.

The Orchard is accessed from the entrance to Studland Common Nature Reserve from junction of Pless Road and Westminster Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0WT

If you decide to visit the orchard, please be mindful that it sits at the bottom of people’s gardens. 

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About the Tony Lock Orchard

Work on the Milford on Sea Community Orchard began in 2013, after the Parish Council was able to recover old garden extensions from a number of homes in Pless Road.

The orchard was first planted in 2014 and has about 35 to 40 fruit trees and shrubs. Varieties include apple, crab apple, damson, pear, plum, cherry and blackberry. It is also an ideal area for bumblebees and butterflies. The Orchard is on occasions, partially grazed by friendly Dexter cattle with a little extra help from flailing and mowing. 

Since 2016 regular surveys have recorded 27 different species of butterfly in the orchard and neighbouring common, including the beautiful Marbled White variety as well as Gamekeepers and Holly Blue’s.

Tony Locke

Tony Locke was local passionate environmentalist who dedicated his time to conservation work at the orchard, Studland Common, Sturt Pond and the Pleasure Grounds. He was also the longstanding chair of Milford Conservation Volunteers. 

In 2020 Tony and fellow MCV members were honoured to receive the country’s highest accolade for a voluntary group, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, equivalent to an MBE.

Sadly, Tony passed away at the age of 79 in 2021. 

In 2022, the Parish Council decided it would be a fitting tribute to rename the orchard to the Tony Lock Orchard in his honour. 

His longstanding friend and MCV conservation officer Keith Metcalf recalled: “Tony was a lovely man who cared about the conservation and wildlife very much. This is a place he loved so it’s a lovely way to remember him and all that he did.”

“Under Tony’s direction, MCV secured parish council support for many local conservation projects including the Studland Common grazing scheme, successive Pleasure Grounds woodland management plans, the Sturt Pond bird hide, the development of Old Milford Meadow, Studland Community Orchard, the Pans wetland bird observatory and more recently the Rowan Tree Copse and Wildflower Meadow in Swallow Drive.

The parish council have also installed a new bench and planted a fruit tree as a further memorial to Tony.

Tony Lock Orchard Location & Directions: 

Location of
Tony Lock Orchard

The Orchard is accessed from the entrance to Studland Common Nature Reserve from junction of Pless Road and Westminster Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0WT. 

The orchard is situated just inside the second gate on the left leading into Studland Meadow. 

There is a large Board explaining all you will find at the entrance to the Orchard.

Some information in this article was taken from an article published in 2022 written by Roz Waters at the Advertiser and Times. To read Roz's full article, please click here.

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About Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

Milford on Sea Conservation Volunteers are a group of local people who are dedicated to conserving and improving the environment within Milford on Sea and Keyhaven parish. MCV volunteers have regular tasks groups for logging, scrub clearance, balsam pulling and such like.

They also run regular events for local people and visitors to experience nature in our village; such as Free 'Drop-in' Birding Sessions, Guided local Nature Rambles, Nature Walks and Creeks and Saltmarsh Birding Boat Trips.

In 2020, MCV members were honoured to receive the country’s highest accolade for a voluntary group, the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which is equivalent to an MBE.

New volunteers, young and old are always welcome.

To see details of all MCV events, please click here.

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

www.milfordconservation.org