Orchards, Trees & Orchard Produce

Durham information

We are still researching the orchards, produce, nurseries and recipes of County Durham. Can you help? Please let us know if you are aware of local orchards, varieties, or dishes, good products and the places that sell them : email info [at] commonground.org.uk

Orchards and Community Orchards to visit

Tilesheds Local Nature Reserve, off Tilesheds Lane, South Tyneside. Close to the local nature reserve, Conservation Volunteers South Tyneside (CVST) in parnership with Groundwork South Tyneside have created an 'Edible Landscape' by planting out old and unusual varieties of fruit trees for both human and animal visitors to eat and enjoy. Colin Holm of Groundwork South Tyneside researched varieties and planted 120 trees including apple (including the N Yorkshire variety Grandpa Buxton), pear, plum, cherry, green gages, peaches, medlar and soft fruit. The fruit trees are dispersed throughout the reserve mainly planted next to public footpaths. A grant from the Local Heritage Initiative paid for the trees, bought from a local nursery, as well as funding activities involving local people such as workshops in grafting and organic fruit growing techniques and two Apple Day events. The fruit trees are not managed to increase the crop as the fruit is mainly there for wild life although walkers are welcome to collect it too. Some of the areas where the fruit trees were planted have been subjected to arson attacks, though many of these areas have made a great recovery. CVST have created a long-term management plan for the reserve. The land is owned by South Tyneside Council, and is publicly accessible at all times. CVST introduced the children from three local schools to the Edible Landscape and having spent time there went on to write poems and create artworks inspired by Tilesheds, There is a booklet about the reserve with their poems and paintings, called ‘Edible Landscape at Tilesheds, South Tyneside’, available from The Countryside Officer at South Tyneside Council. Anyone is welcome to visit and pick fruit, although it is hoped that some will always be left for wild life. Contact: Clare Rawcliffe, Countryside Officer, South Tyneside Council, +44(0)191 424 7423, email: clare.rawcliffe[at]southtyneside.gov.uk

Clara Vale Millennium Orchard, Clara Vale, western side of Gateshead (orchard is on the village’s northern boundary between Tyne View and the railway line). An orchard of dwarf apple trees planted in 2000 on 0.35ha of land that once had a house and garden, demolished in the 1970s. The orchard was created by Clara Vale Conservation Group with the Village Hall Committee and members of the Community and Gateshead Council. The land has been leased from Gateshead Council on a 25 year lease for a peppercorn rent. There is full public access. Around 18 varieties of apple were planted, chosen for their suitability for the area but not for local provenance. Cordons and espaliers have also been grown along the fence lines. The trees are leased to individuals in the community who collect their own apples and rent is paid on Apple Day and a certificate handed out. Some of the fruit is used for Apple Day. Pruning and work days are also organised. Contact: Don Atkinson, 14 west View, Clara Vale, Ryton, Tyne & Wear NE40 3SR, +44(0)191 413 2730/433 3442, donatkinson[at]gateshead.gov.uk