Marston Forest Garden
Marston Forest Garden is an edible ecosystem in Marston, Oxford. We come together to grow fruit and nut trees with shrubs, herbs and ground-cover plants. We care about community, nature and legacy for future generations — sharing our produce and offering a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy and join in (no experience needed).
Come and join us
The forest garden is a place for the nourishment and wellbeing of nature, people and community. You’ll find a calm space to wander through the seasons, explore the network of paths, or pause by the labyrinth beneath the old oak tree.
It’s also a place for friendly gatherings and ceremony. We mark the eight stages of the wheel of the year (equinoxes, solstices, and quarter days such as Beltane) with gatherings around the fire, celebrating our community of plants, people and all creatures. In January, we come together to Wassail our apple and pear trees, with music, procession (and plenty of cake).
When we meet: we have a working group on the second Sunday of every month from 10.30am - 2pm (bring lunch) and during the summer months (May–August) also on the last Wednesday of the month from 6pm - 8pm.
Where: Marston Forest Garden is in Court Place Farm Allotments (east side), Old Marston, Oxford, OX3 0PP
Free to join in — tools and guidance provided
What is a forest garden?
A forest garden mimics a woodland: different layers of plants support each other and help create long-term abundance.
In our forest garden you’ll see seven levels of growth, including:
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![Looking up at a tall pine tree with rough bark, with the blue sky and white clouds visible through the green pine needles.]()
Top tree canopy
Walnut, heart nut
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![Green apples growing on a tree surrounded by leaves in sunlight.]()
Lower canopy
Plums, almonds, hazel, apricot, apples, pears
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![Clusters of red currant berries hanging from a bush with green leaves, sunlight filtering through]()
Shrubs
Currants, gooseberries, jostaberries, goji berries and more
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![Close-up of green mint leaves with textured and veined surfaces.]()
Herbs and edible wild plants
30+ species including mint, sage, rosemary, lavender, yarrow and nettle
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![Close-up of green leafy plants with small white flowers and yellow centers, possibly wild strawberries or similar plants.]()
Ground cover
Including creeping raspberries and strawberries
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![Close-up of hop cones hanging on a vine with green leaves, against a blue sky background.]()
Climbers
A magnificent vine, loganberry, hop and, honeysuckle
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![Heap of Jerusalem artichokes inside a black plastic crate.]()
Roots
Crops that grow underground, like Jerusalem artichoke
What we do at sessions
We meet to look after the garden through the seasons. Typical activities include:
planting trees, shrubs and perennials
mulching
path and habitat care
harvesting and sharing what’s ready
learning plant skills together as we go
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants to get outdoors, meet people and support nature in Oxfordshire. Our community of plants has grown into a community of people of all ages and backgrounds. You don’t need gardening knowledge — we’ll show you what to do, and you can take breaks whenever you need.
Get Involved
Newcomers are very welcome. The simplest way to start is to come along to a session. See what’s on via our events page, or contact us for more information.
