Rare variety cider apple collection from Herefordshire goes to a trusted new home

The collection was established at Tidnor Orchard – between Ledbury and Hereford - by Henry May who was fascinated by some of the names of the old varieties and wanted to save them from extinction.

Over a period of 25 years he built up his collection, which includes the curiously named Slack-ma-Girdle, Netherton Late Blower and Billy Down Pippin, and is now passing it on to the trust.

A process of propagation began last year to allow the trees to be moved from the Tidnor Orchard to one of eight National Trust properties. At least two trees of each variety not already in the trust’s care have been propagated at the conservation charity’s Plant Conservation Centre and, where possible, will be planted in the county from which they originated in Herefordshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire, Devon and Dorset.

The rare varieties will be planted within the Brockhampton Estate near Bromyard on the Worcestershire/Herefordshire border.

Henry May said: “I’ve always enjoyed collecting things and so when I found Tidnor Orchard up for sale, I saw that there was an opportunity to collect cider apples, having been beguiled by their names for many years.

“I was keen, too, to save the old varieties that could have been lost and I was driven by a passion to help the cause of biodiversity.

“I am delighted that the National Trust has become the custodian of this collection and, really, I could not have asked for a better result.”

David Bullock, head of nature conservation for the National Trust, said: “To be given this collection is a fantastic privilege. The National Trust is committed to looking after and protecting traditional fruit orchards, which are not only a beautiful spectacle for visitors to enjoy, but are incredibly important for many species of insects, birds and plants.

“Orchards are part of our national heritage so it’s vital that this collection is protected for future generations to enjoy. Each variety will be planted in two locations to help future-proof them from diseases while ensuring that there are plenty of opportunities for our visitors to enjoy them too.”

Orchards are important habitats for nature and species such as mistletoe, mistletoe moth, the mistle thrush, bullfinch and corky fruited water dropwort in the grassland call these special places home.

The trees are expected to begin bearing fruit in around seven years’ time, when it is hoped that many of the apples will be used to produce cider.

In 2007, traditional orchards were designated a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. The habitat has declined rapidly since the 1950s, with more than 90 per cent of our traditional orchards in England lost in 60 years.

Steve Oram, Orchard Biodiversity Officer for the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, helped to arrange the gift of the national collection of cider apples to the National Trust.

Steve said: “When I spoke to Henry May about his desire to pass on the collection, I knew that the National Trust would have the expertise and, importantly, land to look after this collection - protecting its future.

“Orchards are a mosaic habitat which contain elements of woodland, pasture, meadow grassland and are often bordered by hedgerows. This combination of habitats means that you have a unique wildlife haven supporting a vast range of species.

“But orchards are first and foremost about the fruit and how we use it, which is why it is critical that this vast diversity of varieties is not only preserved for future generations but put to use today.”

The National Trust looks after more than 100 orchards across its gardens and 250,000 hectares of countryside.

To see the new collection of cider apple trees, which will be planted over the next year, you can visit Brockhampton, Herefordshire; Montacute, Somerset; Tyntesfield, North Somerset; Barrington Court, Somerset; Glastonbury, Somerset; Westbury Court Garden, Gloucestershire; Killerton, Devon and Golden Cap, Dorset.