Edwardian orchard being replanted

Local children will help plant some of the trees

Trees are being planted in the grounds of a Regency country house in Surrey in a scheme to reinstate an old orchard.

Polesden Lacey, at Great Bookham, was the home of Edwardian hostess Margaret Greville, while King George VI and the Queen Mother also honeymooned there.

Using old photos, the National Trust is returning part of the grounds to its original state.

Up to 89 flowering crab apple and sweet chestnut trees are being planted on the site of the old car park.

Local school children will help plant some of the trees later in February.

House parties

National Trust warden Andy Goodwin said the winter months had been spent landscaping and preparing the ground.

"It will be a great opportunity for the children to get a better understanding of the day-to-day work we do here on the estate and the importance of caring and looking after new trees," he said.

Margaret Greville and her husband, Ronald, who was a great friend of Edward VII, built their lives around entertaining the rich and famous.

In addition to a house in London, Polesden Lacey was their country home where celebrated parties were held.