Somerset’s orchards and apples

It is the 25^th national Common Ground Apple Day on Wednesday, October 21 and it’s a celebration of all things apple related and also an event to raise awareness of British varieties and orchards.

Ninety per cent of Somerset’s orchards have been lost since 1945.

One of the reasons for this is that most orchards were used for making cider for farmhouse consumption.

In those days people had extended families and work forces that could be paid in cider. It was also a substitute for the water.

Now people don’t have large families, are not allowed to pay employees in cider and, obviously water is cleaner.

As farming and social practice has changed, orchards have been neglected. The old farmhouse has completely altered.

The farmer may even have sold the house and moved elsewhere. These trees that get blown over are often sawn up to keep them tidy.

Orchards also provided protection for livestock. In the past they gave shelter to young animals such as lambs and calves and provided a stockyard next to the farmhouse.

Now farmers have sheds and huts for the job.

If you’re interested in starting an orchard, why not pop in for a free, friendly and informal chat with one of our horticultural experts on our plant team?