From apples galore to an Air Ambulance night landing site, Ash Meadow is integral not only to the village landscape but to its community life. It offers an abundance of resources, including a community orchard and composting facility, a children’s play area, outdoor gym equipment, and a playing field which offers space for a wide array of community events each year.

The space was first leased to Ashprington Parish Council in 1993 by Maurice Ash, founder of The Sharpham Trust. As of 2021, it has been overseen by the Ash Meadow Community Interest Company and is maintained by a group of dedicated local volunteers, many of whom are members of the Ash Meadow Committee. The minutes of the most recent Annual General Meeting can be found here.

Outdoor space

A wonderful space for children and families, the popular play area includes a climbing frame and swings, while the playing field plays host to football, boules, Tai Chi, and numerous outdoor events. There is also a four-piece outdoor gym. In order to make sure these spaces are safe for little ones in particular, we regret that Ash Meadow is not open to dogs.

Community orchard

Ash Meadow is home to a community orchard of ancient West Country apple varieties, plus pear and walnut too, freely available to the local community to harvest. The orchard was established a quarter of a century ago thanks to the efforts of several local residents at the time and is part of South Devon’s Orchard Link network. Over 25 fruit and nut trees are complemented by two small copses of broad-leaved trees and shrubs.

Community compost

Also on offer is a volunteer-run community composting facility. Local residents can drop off garden waste and anyone is welcome to take away fantastic free compost. This in turn provides an important source of income from the local council for each bag of compost which is taken away. Just don’t forget to fill out the record book before you go so that we can claim the relevant funding per bag taken.

Community events

Ash Meadow is home to a variety of family-friendly events throughout the year, from a traditional winter wassail, fireworks and a bonfire in November to a village picnic and fun day in the summer featuring tug-of-war contests and the famous egg throwing championships! Check out our Facebook events page to stay up to date with upcoming opportunities. It is also available for any member of our parish to use for their own functions – just ask a member of the committee as there are some guidelines to follow .

Air Ambulance night landing site

Following a highly successful community crowdfunding appeal in 2020, £2,500 was raised alongside grant funding from Devon Air Ambulance, the Parish Council and Ash Meadow Committee. The night air ambulance landing site is now fully operational and provides a vital lifeline for the residents of Ashprington, Tuckenhay and the surrounding areas.

The future

A Five Year Plan for Ash Meadow is in place from 2021-2026. This plan covers our intentions and ideas for Ash Meadow, which we hope will not only ensure the continuance and improvement of Ash Meadow for our community for generations to come but also look after our environment and wildlife. This is available for anyone if required and can be viewed and downloaded here: Ash Meadow Five Year Plan 2021-2026.

How to get involved

Why not consider joining the Ash Meadow volunteers group? We meet for a two hour work party at 10am on the first Saturday of each month and everyone is welcome. As well as ensuring a steady supply of sieved compost, we help make sure the space is clean, tidy and safe for humans and wildlife alike. It’s a great chance to get to know others in the village and play a part in keeping this vibrant community space alive.

Please email Ash Meadow Committee Chair Ian Bentlett (ashmeadowcontact@gmail.com) if you’d like to learn more. You can also follow all our news and get in touch via the Ash Meadow Facebook page.