Orchards

News Archive 2006

A gathering of snippets and news from around the country

Added 14 December 2006

BROGDALE HORTICULTRAL TRUST, the National Collection of apples and pears - Mr John Brady, the new Trust Chairman has announced that the Trust is at a crossroads. The lease with Hillreed comes up for renewal on 31 March 2007, and the Trust awaits a request to renew their Defra lease. The Trust is presently negotiating with the current landlord, but is considering the possibilities of moving elsewhere and/or a cryo-preserved National Collection of apples and pears rather than the growing trees. A decision is be made by Christmas 2006.

Added 10 November 2006

FROME’S ORCHARD STREET ALLOTMENT GROUP have had an abundance of apples this year from their old apple trees and have been sharing them with their neighbours. They are curious to know how the fruit has been used in the past. Allotment holder Sandra Payne said: “There must be hundreds of apple trees in Frome, but what exactly happens to all those apples? ‘We would like to hear from families and how they use their apples, and in particular any recipes such as Granny’s apple pie or Grampy’s apple cake passed down in the family. Or perhaps Frome is full of people making their own cider?”. Please send information to: Frome Food, c/o Somerset Standard, 23a Market Place, Frome, Somerset BA11 1AN. From: Frome Standard, 2 November 2006

ORCHARD WORKSHOPS

Run by the Cheshire Landscape Trust and Erddig Hall at Erddig Hall (NT) Wrexham on
Sunday 21 January 2007
Sunday 4 February 2007
Sunday 18th February 2007
From 10.00am to 4.00pm
Places cost £20.00.

Topics will cover: history of fruit growing, rootstocks and their influence on tree size, tree forms, fruit tree planting, watering, pest disease and control, harvesting and storing fruit and pruning.
Further information Cheshire Landscape Trust 01244 376333 cltoffice[at]tiscali.co.uk

Added 1 November 2006

Apple Cause - learn about Northamptonshire's orchards

Saturday 11 November - The Doddridge Centre, 109 St James Road, Northampton - South Court Environmental are organising an event called APPLE CAUSE with talks, discussions and apple juicing. 10.15am Peter Nalder, Director of South Court Environmental will talk about managing a commuity orchard. 10.45am Bill Collins from Northamptonshire Beekeepers will talk abut the importance of bees to orchards. 11.15am Jenny Pates from Dunton Community Garden will talk about how to set up a Community Garden and Orchard and how to get commmunity involvement. 1pm Johnnie Amos will tell the story of how the Flore Plum was lost and rediscovered. 1.30pm Caroline Tait from a new orchard in Coton Manor will be juicing apples. 2pm Robert Moor, South Court Environmental Historian, will be talking about where to look for traditional orchards today. 2.30pm Mark Bradshaw from the National Trust will be outlining the project to restore the 16th century manorial orchard of Lyveden New Bield. 12.15 a lunch of bread and cheese, please bring apples to share. Event runs 9.45am-3.30pm. Free admission. For further details of the day and to check times please contact Susan Walmsley on 01933 275257, email scesusan[at]fsmail.net or Peter Nalder on 01604 630719.

Added 10 October 2006:

English Apples from China
At last people are favouring British varieties such as Cox, Gala, Egremont Russet over French Golden Delicious, but owing to the ‘huge upsurge in demand for English apples over the last six months. I don’t know if there will be sufficient volumes available’ says Adrian Barlow of English Apples and Pears. To fill the vacuum, the Chinese are growing Braeburns and Galas in their millions – they expect to grow 30 million tonnes annually within 10 years. Meanwhile, our apple growers have dropped from 1,550 in 1986 to 430 today. Source: The Times 30/9/06.

If we care about food miles Chines apples shouldn’t be an issue, and their crop will supply their own market. So come on British growers, plant some more of the 2,300 varieties that we can grow here, and local variations, not just the usual handful available in every high street. Lets have Devonshire Quarrendens in Devon and D’Arcy Spice in Essex.

Brogdale at the Crossroads
John Brady, the new chairman of the Brogdale Horticultural Trust tells us that they are facing three options: an improved status quo, moving to a new site, "or even more virtual existence of cryo-preservation and a sophisticated website to fulfil our objectives a fully as possible". For anyone who values real orchards over virtual ones, please ask him to fight for option one. Mr John Brady, Chairman, Brogdale Horticultural Trust, Brogdale Road, Faversham, Kent ME13 8XZ

Poster of Cider Apples
A lovely colourful poster has been produced by the Tidnor Wood Orchard Trust. Artist Jonathan Latimer was commissioned to paint 32 varieties of cider apples that grow in this Scottish cider orchard. The full colour, A1 poster, costs £9.99 plus £2.99 p&p and wholesale prices are available. Contact info[at]tidnorwood.org.uk or see www.tidnorwood.org.uk

Beware of the Pear
Two 30 foot Black pear trees in Cripplegate Park, St John’s, Worcester, have been cordoned off in case a pear falls and injures someone walking or sitting underneath the trees. Someone contacted the council saying they were a health hazard! The Sun, 4 October 2006

Orcharding Courses
Pershore College runs pruning, grafting, domestic apple juice/cider making courses. Ring 01386 552443 for information.

Added 21 September 2006:

Recognition of the Value of Traditional Orchards to Wildlife
Using agricultural censuses, English Nature (to become Natural England on Oct 1),
Have found that traditional and commercial orchards have declined in area by 57% since 1950, with an estimated 28,000ha of traditional orchards remaining. Because of their rarity, they are proposing that traditional orchards are added to the National Priority Habitat list as part of the recent review of Biodiversity Action Plans to be published in November 2006.

Common Ground has spent nearly 20 years trying to convince ecologists of the wildlife value of traditional orchards. Formal recognition came from English Nature in 1999 with a joint Common Ground/English Nature conference ‘Orchards and Wild Life’ in Herefordshire. (Conference papers available from Common Ground).
Further information from Heather Robertson, EN, (01733 455252).

Cider Revival
A reported revival of cider drinking has been credited to the high profile advertising campaign by the Irish cider makers, Magners. Gaymers of Somerset have also been promoting their Orchard Reserve and other ciders with television advertising. Some smaller producers have seen a consequent upsurge in interest and sales. In the Western Gazette (Shaftesbury & Gilligham, Dorset) on 7 September 2006, ‘Cider revival is welcome boost for local industry’ by Richard Birch, Julian Temperley of Somerset Cider Brandy Company, and Burrow Hill Cider says" The launch of Magners has been an extraordinary event, They are using images of Somerset’s traditional cider industry, claiming it’s Irish, and managing to reposition cider so that women are drinking it instead of Pimms. It’s quite remarkable…Magners shows there is a vast potential in the cider industry as a whole and will make it stronger. The images it uses in its advertising – apples and orchards – evoke a cider tradition, the Somerset tradition, and we will feel the benefit both in sales and in keeping the cider tradition an dour industry alive".

'Cider With Roadies'

Late September to mid November 2006, The Common Players theatre company are planning a new production specifically designed for rural communities in Devon. This performance will tour a beautiful functioning and sculptured Apple Press made by Jon Rodney-Jones. Together with identifying local apples and pressing them into juice, audiences of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy an energetic and bold story about the Apple and its iconic status in our lives. Events will be part indoors and part outdoors, in orchards, barns, community halls and other local spaces in Devon. This event will run from Late-September to mid-November. In 2007, they will be touring a theatre performance iwth the press. For more information call 01392 881400, email welcome[at]common-players.org.uk or see www.common-players.org.uk

Apple Press for Hire
Orchard Link are again offering their small press and mill, and the large wooden community mill for hire this Autumn. Or you can attend one of Orchard Link’s Community Pressing Days and take along apples and containers for juice. So if you have surplus apples and would like to make juice or cider contact Peter Cowper on 01548 531297 or see www.orchardlink.org.uk

Harvestline
Orchard Link are also opening Harvestline for September and October. If you have an orchard and don’t know what to do with all the fruit, Harvestline will attempt to put you in touch with producers of juice, cider, preserves etc who are looking to source apples locally. The Harvestline is 07792 664710 or for more information see www.orchardlink.org.uk

Orchard Surveys
With funding from English Nature, the Wyre Forest Study Group have undertaken a survey of the fauna and flora of traditional cherry, apple, pear and damson orchards on Bowcastle Farm on the edge of the Wyre Forest in Worcestershire. "Their comprehensive survey of three traditional orchards is the first of its kind in the UK and is thus of unique importance in understanding the biodiversity of the orchard habitat."

"The grand total of 1,868 species of wild plants and animals was recorded from the orchards, including vascular plants, bryophytes, fungi, lichens, vertebrates and invertebrates."

English Nature Research Reports no 707: ‘The biodiversity of three traditional orchards within the Wyre Forest SSSI in Worcestereshire: a survey by the Wyre Forest Study Group. Malcolm J. Smart and Rosemary A. Winnall (Eds), English Nature 2006.

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species is undertaking ecological surveys of traditional orchards in 8 counties with funding from English Nature. Contact Laura Hurt (02074 984533) for more information.

Orchards Project
Sustain is working on a national orchards project with Leader+ to conserve and bring into sustainable management traditional orchards in the following areas: Hereford Rivers, Somerset Levels and Moors, Teinbridge, North West Devon, Mid Kent and Cumbria Fells and Dales. Contact Ida Fabrizio (01225 787921) for details.

Powys Orchard Doctors
Local councils would do well to emulate the initiative of Glasu (the Leader+ programme in Powys). Their Perllanau Powys Project promotes orchards in Powys and is also looking into how orchards fruits in Powys could meet potential demands from box schemes, greengrocers etc. The Project is in partnership with organisations including the Marcher Apple Network, Brecknock Wildlife Trust, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Powys County Council as well as private orchard owners.

In addition, Tony and Liz Gentil of TLG Orchards have been appointed as 'The Orchard Doctor' from August 2005 to February 2007 to survey thirty orchards across Powys and to help the owners develop sustainable management plans. They will also produce information sheets and run training courses to advise people on how to maintain their orchards. Contact Sally Shiels, New harvest Project Officer for Glasu (01982 552224) sally.shiels[at]powys.gov.uk or see www.glasu.org.uk

Orchard Protection
Liberal Democrats in Mid Devon District Council are trying to include protection for orchards in their Local Development Framework.

Orchards under Threat
Bernard Chandler from Glastonbury told us in August that an application has been made to build two houses in Chilkwell Street in the orchard at the foot of Chalice Hill opposite the Rural Life Museum. In defence of the orchard Bernard says: "It may not have spectacular beauty, but it’s definitely part of the character of Glastonbury, famed for its orchards (alas greatly reduced in number in the last 30 years or more) and fingers of greenery which penetrate into the town. It complements the orchard across the road at the Rural Life Museum. Another aspect of this unique town is threatened to be nibbled away to bland sameness.."

Community Orchard updates
Updating of Community orchards Register - The number of Community Orchards has grown enormously since we first promoted the idea in 1992. Inn 2001 we compiled a Register of all the Community Orchards we had information about. We are now trying to collect information on the ones we don’t know about, and update information on the ones already on our register. We are particularly interested in what initiatives orchardists have made to attract wildlife, and what they are doing with their harvest of fruit. If you are not on our lists or have not heard from us, please contact info[at]commonground.org.uk

Congratulations to the Friends of Reeth Orchard (N. Yorks) who have completed the renovation an old overgrown orchard in a walled garden, that previously belonged to a bank, after four years of hard work.
Reeth Community Orchard Group, c/o 3 Back Lane, Reeth, Richmond, N. Yorks DL11 6UZ

Thurrock Borough Council are planning to plant around 20 Community orchards in the area. Conatct Nick Burke, Technical Officer (Arboriculture) (01375 652314)

No Apple Day this year owing to Council Cuts
Gillian Brown from Newcastle has "run an Apple Day event here at Tyne Riverside Country Park at Newburn every year since 1992 when I first took up my post here. With my colleague Ken and the help of the local community, we have planted a thriving community orchard at Walbottle Brickworks, and every year have taken great delight in scouring the local (and not so local!) area for different apple varieties. We’ve done apple printing, made apple headed dolls, apple cards and badges, peeled the longest peel, made cider, pies, jam and cakes and generally, I hope, generated a lot of enthusiasm for home grown fruit and English apples…Sadly this year I have to tell you that we are not having an Apple Day event. The City Council has decided to make cuts to our service and the number of staff has been cut whilst duties have been increased. So – no Apple Day. We are very sad about this, as it is an event we have always looked forward to and out a great deal of effort into. We hope to be back next year, but can’t promise………"
Gillian Brown newburn.countrypark[at]newcastle.gov.uk

Return of ‘lost’ Varieties
The Broadholme Beauty, a large cooking apple that originated in Broadholme near Lincoln- is now available from Ken Muir nursery in Essex. Its main attribution is that you don’t need to add sugar to it when cooking. (Source, National Orchards Forum., Issue 8, Summer 2006). Ken Muir Ltd, Rectory Road, Weeley Heath, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex CO16 9BJ (0870 7479111) www.kenmuir.co.uk

The organisers of Wragby Apple Day are hoping that William Ingall will turn up. This rare apple is one of 40 lost Lincolnshire apple varieties that the East of England Apples and Orchards Project are hoping will be brought in for identification. Wragby Apple Day, October 8. (01673 818272).

Nursery Catalogues
The 2006/2007 catalogue is now available from Thornhayes Nursery, As well as selling a wide variety of ornamental trees they also provide a huge range of top fruit many of which have been selected for their suitability for growing in South West England. They stock nearly 200 eating, culinary and cider apples alone.
Kevin & Pat Croucher, Thornhayes Nursery, St Andrews Wood, Dulford, Collumpton Devon EX15 2DF.(01884 266746) trees[at]thornhayes-nursery.co.uk www.thornhayes-nursery.co.uk

The Northern Pomona, Apples for Cool Climates
Would you like to subscribe to the ‘Northern Pomona, Apples for Cool Climates’, to be published in spring 2007? Helmsley Walled Garden in North Yorkshire has a collection of hardy northern and ancient apple varieties established by the Northern Fruit Group. The Walled Garden has commissioned this reference book which will have an historical introduction and guide to orchard restoration written by Barry Potter, horticultural consultant and adviser to Defra, a directory of historic apples compiled by the horticultural writer Lin Hawthorne, notes on cultivation by DEFRA certified apple identifier Peter Blackburne-Maize, apple recipes ancient and modern researched by Dr Elke Laver, and the book will be illustrated with full page botanical plates by Bridget Gillespies and photos by Paul Radcliffe, Head Gardener of HWG.

The Northern Pomona will be financed by the traditional 18th century means of patronage and subscription, and all contributors will be acknowledged in the book. Subsrciption costs £45.00 (there is a rate of Patronage at £1,000 or Sponsorship at £500). Please write to request a subscription form from: The Helmsley Walled Garden – Northern Pomona, PO Box 468, Kirbymoorside, York YO62 6WR.

Funds are also being raised for The Northern Pomona at an Apple Day celebration. Barry Potter will give a ‘Chat on Restoring Old Orchards" accompanied by a three course Apple Supper on Tuesday 17th October at the vegetarian restaurant in the restored Vinery at Helmsley Walled Garden. The evening starts at 6.30pm, and costs £7.50, all funds towards the publication of the Northern Pomona. Booking essential from Dr Elke Lavery on 01751 432648.

News from the Marcher Apple Network Newsletter
Herefordshire County Council Parks and Countryside Service are providing locally distinctive apple trees such as Bloody Ploughman, Bakers Delicious and Winter Banana on M25 and M26 rootstocks – 1 year maidens with tree ties cost £9.00 each. Principal Countryside Officer James Bisset says: "The scheme aims to help people source old apple and fruit varieties that were once grown in many of the County’s orchards, but that are now quite rare and difficult to obtain commercially." James Bissett (01568 798341)

Further information on the newsletter or Marcher Apple Network can be obtained from Mrs Sheila Leitch (01497 847352) or see www.marcherapple.net

Forthcoming Events

National Fruit Show, 18-19 October, Kent County Showground, Detling, Maidstone
10-5pm (01732 874564)
Organised by the Marden Show Society since 1933, this is the premier annual show for the fruit industry, with displays of top and soft fruit and 90 trade exhibits. This year the fruit display will be taken to Borough Market where the Worshipful Company of Fruiterers will continue to celebrate their 400th anniversary on Apple Day, October 21.

Apple Day, October 21 is a seasonal manifestation of our cultural relationship with apples and orchards, and part of a wider campaign to conserve and plant traditional and commercial orchards – thus increasing the availability of locally grown fruit. Events will be taking place countrywide. See www.commonground.org.uk for an evolving list.

Added June 2006:

National Fruit Collection at Brogdale Hortcultural Trust Threatened

The National Fruit Collection at Brogdale Hortcultural Trust in Faversham, Kent is the subject of two recent Defra reports, which recommend the gradual replacement of the living tree collection with cryogenically preserved material. The Collection of living trees could be reduced by as much as 90%.

Comments on the proposals were invited by 15 March to Emma Hennessey at Area 4B, Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR or email: emma.hennessey[at]defra.gsi.gov.uk

Research Your Area’s Orchards Heritage

The Symondsbury Apple Project has been researching the heritage of orchards in Dorset and encouraging other groups to look into the history of orchards in their own places. The project was funded by the Leader+ programme and the Local Heritage Initiative. They have produced a new booklet, a guide based on their own tried and tested research methods, called 'Dorset Orchards: Research-Restore-Replant'. The booklet will of interest to anyone planning to research orchards and also offers practical advice for the care of trees and orchards. It’s available for £1 at the Centre For Local Food, The Bridport Museum, Groves Nurseries and Washingpool Farm Shop or by sending a £3 cheque or postal order made out to Symondsbury Apple Project, The Centre for Local Food, Unit 17, St. Michael's Industrial Estate, Foundry Lane, Bridport, Dorset DT6 3RR. See www.appleproject.org.uk for more information.

Gaymers Launches new Ciders

The Gaymer Cider Company, the biggest cider maker in the south west and owned by the US company Constellation, has launched three new ciders: Gaymers Original, Gaymer’s Orchard Reserve made from the crop of a single orchard near Taunton, and new Addlestones draught cider. The marketing campaign for the new ciders will include events such as orchard walks, cider tasting events plus new recipes using local cider and local food.

Selling Surplus Apples

Orchards Live in North Devon have come up with an ingenious way of selling surplus fruit, through their pannier market. “Pannier Markets are particular to the south west. In Devon anyone can engage in direct selling if they have a surplus crop. Benches are offered on which the sellers display what they have carried in their ‘panniers’ – the basket historically used to carry wares. Francis Hancock who farms at Landkey, sells apples at nearby Barnstaple Pannier Market on Fridays from August until his store runs out in spring. This means that customers can get their hands on unusual varieties, which are difficult to market commercially under more formal or regulated circumstances. He grows forty varieties of fruit in four orchards – reading like a West Country gazetteer including Devonshire Quarrenden and Cornish Gilliflower apples, as well a mazzards – a dark juicy cherry particularly associated with Landkey greens“. From Producing the Goods 2: Markets & Market Places. Further information from Orchards Live on +44(0)1271 374180 or michael[at]lhgee.freeserve.co.uk

Orchards Under Threat

Since early in 2006 an old orchard in Frome, Somerset has been under threat from development of a new housing estate of up to 14 houses. The orchard is part of the estate of the medieval Stowell Manor in Lower Keyford. POLKA, the Preservation of Lower Keyford Association are fighting to save the orchard including trying to get Tree Preservation orders. Contact Helen Mercer on +44(0)1749 880523.

In Colchester, Essex, a 100 year old orchard is to be sold to developers for a housing estate. The land has been designated for this use in the local Plan, but local people are campaigning to save the land and hope it can be purchased by Essex Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve. Contact Frances Kent on frances.kent[at]tesco.net

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