Over 29 new varieties of cider apple have been created following a selection and propagation process that started in 1984. With many being harvested for the first time this year.

Over 365 cidre apples are grown in the UK. - credit NACM

The new apple varieties have in the main been given female names -  Lizzy, Amelia, Amanda, Jenny, Hastings, Connie, Helen's Apple, Jane, Tina, Vicky, Naomi, Nicky, Angela, Gilly, Willy, Joanna, Maggie, Hannah, Jean, Sally, Fiona, Tracey, Eleni, Betty and Debbie.

Royal connections

There is a royal connection with the naming of another as Prince William and three other varieties Three Counties, Shamrock and Early Bird make up the new batch.

The final apple selection was made in 2007 and a first crop is being harvested in 2011 to join the existing 365 varieties already grown in the UK.

It can take up to five years for new orchards to produce apples and it is typically ten years before the grower will breakeven following the investment to plant a new orchard.

Over two million new cider apple trees were planted between 1995 and 2006.

New apple varieties

Many of the new varieties of apple have taken 25 years to breed .

The long-term project is being managed by NACM as part of ongoing research to improve the quality of apples available to cider makers.

Working on the project throughout has been Liz Copas, consultant pomologist to the NACM and a leading authority on cider apples.

One new variety has even been named 'Lizzy' after her.

She said: ''Harvest is an important and exciting time but even more so given the time and effort invested to produce new varieties.

''We hope to prove that the new fruit offers growers and cider makers the best combination of juice quality and high yields whilst requiring limited intervention during the growing season.''

Cider apples differ from culinary and dessert fruit as the cider maker is interested in what flavours are present in the apple juice to be able to produce a range of styles of cider are possible.

The hundreds of varieties of apples each offer different levels of tannin, acidity, astringency and natural sweetness - all the components that combine to produce the flavours and character in cider, just as in wine.

Early harvest

Britain's cider harvest gets underway a month earlier than usual in 2011 due to the warm spring weather, and growers are expecting a bumper crop.

Over 200,000 tonnes of apples will be picked within the next ten weeks.

Nearly half of all apples grown in the UK are used to make cider and many thousands of acres of new orchards have been planted in the last 15 years to keep pace with the increasing demand for the drink.

Gabe Cook, spokesman for the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), said: " An early harvest is an encouraging sign for the industry.

''The harvest has started earlier but then we saw an early blossom in spring.

''We are expecting a good harvest and we are especially pleased to see new orchards being harvested after the investment in planting"

Around 10 million hectolitres, or 1.76 billion pints, of cider are enjoyed by UK consumers every year according to the NACM.

Over 100 varieties of apples will be on display

Over 100 varieties of apples will be on display at the West Dean College and Gardens Apple Affair in October.

Experts will also be available to help identify any apples that are brought along.

John Nash, former fruit farmer and President of the West Sussex Fruit Group said: " It has been an ideal year for Cox apples because of the cooler temperatures.

"We’ve had a good hard, cold winter with few warm periods. The warm spells we have had in June enabled productive pollination, which is good for cell division of fruit, which makes for great apples."

Apple growers can also seek advice from the 'Apple Doctors' who can help identify disease or problems in plants.

Apples of every shape and size will also be available for visitors to taste.  Many of these have been grown in the Victorian walled kitchen garden on site.

Rosemary Moon, writer, chef and creator of an online cookery website, MoonBites, will also be demonstrating her favourite apple recipes.

West Dean House

As part of the Apple Affair West Dean House will open to the public.

The flint-faced mansion, which only opens once a year, was once home to Edward James and is now a College specialising in all aspects of arts, crafts, conservation and making.

Visitors will be able to see the three state rooms, the Old Dining Room, the Music Room, the vast Oak Reception Hall and the Old Library. All are furnished with art and antiques.

Further information

Admission to the Apple Affair is £8.00 for adults plus concessions.

The event  takes place on the 1st and 2nd October 2011 between 10.30am and 5pm. Last entry for the house is 4.30pm.

Please note, no dogs are allowed in the event or grounds during the Apple Affair, except assistance dogs.

Access to restaurant and shop to event ticket holders only.

West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of Chichester and six miles south of Midhurst.
Address: West Dean College, Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 OQZ   www.westdean.org.uk

The National Trust will launch their new Garden Collection at Chelsea 2011 and the stand will feature old varieties, including the ancient medlar.

National Trust Stand under construction at Chelsea 2011

The collection – which includes products from Alitex Greenhouses, Crane Sheds, Gaze Burvill outdoor furniture, Oak Leaf Gates, Scotts of Thrapston Summerhouses and Westminster Stone - will be launched at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May.

The exhibition stand, which will also feature National Trust plants, has been designed by Louise Harries, graduate of the London College of Garden Design, who won a competition to design and build the stand.

Wherever possible plants for the stand will be grown and supplied by the nurseries at the National Trust properties Lanhydrock and Killerton.

Heritage Varieties

Heritage varieties are to be used where possible and this has proved quite a challenge, not least the hot weather bringing on all the plants and rabbits finding them very tasty! Medlar trees at the back of the stand are designed to reflect the orchards of the National Trust.

On winning the National Trust Garden Collection stand competition, Louise said: "To create a garden space showcasing the best in British design and craftsmanship for the National Trust at The Chelsea Flower Show; a great British institution, is a dream project for me. I'm thrilled to be a part of the team."

Each item in the garden collection takes inspiration from the extensive gardens, buildings, collections and land in the National Trust’s care and all are produced using traditional crafts and techniques.

For example, Scotts of Thrapston Summerhouses have based their licensed designs on outdoor structures cared for by the Trust, including the

Medlar trees will reflect the National Trust forests and woodlands

Whereas Gaze Burvill has concentrated on traditional wood crafts that can be seen at so many properties through the National Trust and using these have designed and produced garden furniture which is new and innovative, thereby creating heritage for future generations.

Phillippa Green, Brand Licensing Manager at the National Trust said, “We are delighted to be working with such an amazing group of companies who share our passion for the National Trust and its principles and who are working collaboratively in order to support the charity so effectively.”

British suppliers

Garden Furniture by Gaze Burvill
Turning Table/Seat Set made from English FSC Sweet Chestnut from a wood in Herefordshire.

Greenhouses by Alitex
Seven greenhouse designs inspired by gardens cared for by the National Trust, including Hidcote Manor Garden and Scotney Castle.

Sheds by Crane Sheds and Summerhouses
Three traditional shed designs inspired by design influences from a number of properties in East Anglia, including Felbrigg Hall and Sheringham Park.

Stone Paving by Westminster Stone
A range of paving inspired by traditional designs examples of which can be found within many properties cared for by the National Trust with a contemporary flavour.

Summerhouses by Scotts of Thrapston
Two summerhouse designs based on structures in the Trust’s care; The Writers Retreat (George Bernard Shaw’s summerhouse) and The Reading Room (summerhouse belonging to Virginia Woolf).

Wild Bird Care by Wildlife Habitats
A range of bird boxes, bird feeders, bird tables, wild animal habitats and wild bird food made from sustainable materials to encourage wildlife to visit your garden.

Wooden Gates by Oak Leaf Gates
A range of traditionally crafted contemporary design wooden garden gates made from British FSC oak.

More information

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2011

The Common Medlar - Discover more about this strange fruit which has been used in Britain since medieval times.

NTGC - National Trust Garden Collection which will launch at Chelsea 2011.
By choosing National Trust licensed products, consumers help to support the work of the charity in continuing to preserve the many beautiful places and spaces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for everyone to enjoy – forever for everyone.

The National Trust - a charity with a love for preserving historic places and spaces across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Government permission is being sought for plans to regenerate two areas of native juniper woodland in the Cumbrian Lake District.

Juniperus Communis

The proposed project aims to fence off nearly 30 acres of Glenridding Common, alongside one of the popular walking routes up to Helvellyn,  for up to 15 years.

By keeping grazing animals out of this area, the native juniper woodland will have a chance to re-establish itself, assisted by some new planting.

Details of the proposed fencing near Glenridding Youth Hostel and the old Greenside Mines and information about how to make comments will be on show in Patterdale Village Store and on the national park website; www.lakedistrict.gov.uk until 29 April.

The proposals have been drawn up by the Lake District National Park Authority, the graziers on the common and Natural England. The LDNPA has already consulted with other interested partners including the parish council, the Local Access Forum and Friends of the Lake District.

The decision on whether to approve the proposals will be made by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Head of Environment and Heritage for the national park, Andrew Herbert, said fencing was needed to promote the regeneration and growth of juniper by the exclusion of grazing animals. He appreciated that people would have a range of views about the project which needed to be considered.  He Added;

“Our native juniper is a rare habitat in a European context. As such it represents an important component of the Helvellyn and Fairfield Site of Special Scientific Interest of which Glenridding Common forms part.

“Grazing is preventing the natural regeneration of juniper on the Common and the proper establishment of young plants that are still present. Successful regeneration of the juniper will contribute to meeting national scientific conservation targets and enhance this important part of the national park’s spectacular landscape."

Comments on the scheme should be sent to: the Planning Inspectorate, Room 4/05, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

More information

National Park Authority

Native to western Scotland, the Highland breed of cattle is one of Britain's oldest, distinctive and best known breeds, with written records dating back to the 18th Century.

Highland Cattle have a distinctive appearance with their long red coat and shaggy fringe

Highland cattle are a hardy breed, ideally suited to survival on poor mountain land with high rainfall, making the most of poor forage.

Many Highland cows continue to breed to ages in excess of eighteen years, sometimes giving birth to around 15 calves which are generally given birth to outdoors.

The hardy nature of this breed means that they can be reared naturally, thriving in the hills and uplands of our country, without the need for intensive farming practices.

The longevity and hardiness of the Highland breed, keeps their farming costs lower than many other breeds, making them an important contribution to the agricultural economy of the UK.  They can be found in many areas of the British Isles and are in high demand in other areas of the world where grazing is poor and weather conditions cold and wet.

Highland Beef

Highland cattle produce lean, well-marbled, flesh that ensures tenderness and succulence with a very distinctive flavour. From a nutritional aspect, Highland Beef is healthy and nutritious with lower levels of fat and cholesterol and a higher protein and iron content than other beef.

More information

Highland Cattle Society - Find out more about the distinctive Highlander cattle.

Highland Cattle World - Read the stories of Highland cattle folds around the world.

Some of the oldest, greatest trees in the UK are located in Derbyshire, many are associated with local legends and ancient traditions.

A £45,200 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is financing a project to capture these stories and give the trees better protection

Some UK oaks are over 1000 years old

Volunteers will be recruited locally by The Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, to carry out a range of tasks.

The Trust is building on a major tree survey, funded by an earlier HLF grant, which identified and mapped more than 4,000 veteran trees, some of which were found to be of not just regional, but of national importance.

The ancient trees, some of which are thought to be over a thousand years old, are important to the landscape and for wildlife, providing a habitat for many rare and endangered species.

Among their number are the Old Man of Calke, an oak tree thought to be more than 1200 years old, and the remains of the Betty Kenny Yew in Shining Cliff Woods near Crich which is believed to be even older. This tree was said to be the inspiration for the lullaby Rock-a-bye-baby in a tree top.

Although some of the identified trees are protected within reserves or sites of special scientific interest, most are outside such areas and have no legal protection. The project "Saving the Great Trees of Derbyshire" will train volunteers to help them monitor the condition of trees locally and spread awareness of their value. They will also be able to spot specimens at risk and take action to save them with specialist support.

Legend and folklore

Where there are local legends these will be documented and an archive created on the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s website. A programme of special events will also be devised to engage further public interest, including guided walks and craftwork for children and families.

Land owners, managers and local communities who have ancient trees locally will also be able to find advice online detailing how they can protect the older trees in the future.

Emma Sayer, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said:

“As well as their importance to the landscape and to nature conservation these magnificent trees have in many cases contributed to local folklore. This project will protect all these aspects and is especially appropriate as it is beginning within the International Year of Biodiversity.”

Commenting for Derbyshire Wildlife Trust Jo Brown Conservation Manager said: “We are delighted that the HLF are supporting this project. Our survey showed that many ancient trees are at risk because their value is not recognised, and we hope that by helping people celebrate their local trees we can make sure they are still around for future generations to enjoy.”

More information

Heritage Lottery Fund

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust

The small, sweet Doddin (Daddin) apple is a native of  Worcestershire and thanks to a few dedicated people, is set to make a comeback.

What is the Doddin?

Small, sweet fruits made this a popular "scrumper's" apple

The Doddin (sometimes pronounced Daddin) is an apple tree that is rather diminutive in size but produces heavy yields of equally diminutive but juicy and very sweet apples.

Doddin apples are ready for harvest in July.  Pale green in colour, they are slightly larger than a golf ball and a little elongated.

They are best eaten within a few days of picking and are eaten whole, including the core.  A real hit with children due to it's small size.

A Doddin tree grows freely on its own rootstock and tolerates wet and heavy clay soils.

Doddin Preservation Society

It is thought that the Doddin apple tree is found only in the town of Redditch, Worcestershire, England and the immediate surrounding area. The actual numbers of native Doddin are not known but there are probably less than twenty.

The Doddin Preservation Society, is a not for profit organisation whose aims are to;

• Discover and, where possible, preserve existing specimens and  encourage others to do so.
• Keep The Doddin name in the public domain.
• Reproduce, by vegetative means, The Doddin and endeavour to raise specimen numbers.
• Get The Doddin recognised as a variety and to be accepted by the national collection at Brogdale.

World War II

An unpruned, unfed Doddin shows it's natural shrubby nature

Pip Taylor of The Doddin Preservation Society said;

"I remember my father telling me of The Doddin and of how it was an important crop for the people of Redditch during the War.

The apple's virtues are; cropping early in July, thus extending the apple harvest, very sweet and bite size.

During wartime England, when sweets had disappeared from shop shelves, The Doddin could send a child in raptures of ecstasy with just one bite.

The sweetness is exceptional, combined with the low level of malic acid so, with its deminutive size it lent itself nicely to a sweet substitute. Bought for a penny a bag it was not unusual for locals to take them into cinemas.

Eaten whole, there would be nothing left but the stalk. The only drawback is the high tannin levels which can turn the teeth brown".

Doddin's Fall and Rise

With the expansion of Redditch, which was designated a New Town in the early 1970s, most of The Doddin trees in gardens and allotments disappeared under the new ring roads and housing developments.

Recently, Pip Taylor became concerned that the younger generation and those recent to the town, would not know of The Doddin and may cut down existing trees.

Kevin taking cuttings from a well fed Doddin

Pip's hope was for nothing more than to get the apple's name in the local press but with the help of Kevin O'Neil of Walcot Nursery, Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire, they managed to get a good number of maiden Doddins ready for sale.

Kevin took material from a local Doddin to graft onto various rootstocks for bare root maidens which where ready in November 2010.

Judging from the response, these are popular little trees and would be well suited to the smaller gardens of today or even container planting.

Doddins throw suckers and unlike many commercial apples, they survive quite well on their own rootstock.

It is not known yet, just how long a tree will take to bear fruit but they are slow growing and the picture below, is of a tree which is thought to be the oldest at about 80 years old, showing just how diminutive they are.

We have been told that there are only a few plants remaining from the 2008/2009 cuttings but new stock is quite likely to be grafted this year.

If you are keen to own a Doddin, it is suggested that you contact Walcot Nurseries to reserve your plant.  The Doddin is probably the earliest fruiting apple known and as such is not likely to tolerate climates which suffer late frosts.

Doddins on the map

Apple scrumping memories from an 80 year old tree

The Doddin Preservation Society are trying to place all known Doddin trees on the map and would love to hear from anybody who thinks they may have one.

We at Oldvaieties.com would be interested to know how many Doddins still survive and if you know of any stories or folklore surrounding this fruit.

Is this the oldest Doddin tree?

How was the fruit used?

Do you have an old Doddin recipe?

Contact us using the comments section at the end of this article.

More information

Doddin Preservation Society

Walcot Organic Nursery - A selection of traditional and modern fruit tree varieties.

BBC - Rare apple planted in local orchard.

Natural England hope that a new guide will curb the demise of the English fruit orchard.

Traditional orchards are a classic feature of the English landscape and are fantastic places for wildlife but they have been disappearing at an alarming rate.

According to Natural England over 75% of traditional orchards in England have vanished since the 1950s.

New guides produced to help orchard owners

Orchards are home to wildlife

Restoring and managing orchards is good for wildlife and it is hoped the new guides will also help protect the orchard eco-system.

The guides are designed to provide practical advice to land managers on how best to look after orchards in their care and are now available as PDFs  by following the links below.

Orchards are important for a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and in 2007, traditional orchards received UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority status in recognition of their importance to wildlife.

Wildlife is attracted to the mosaic of habitats such as dead wood, scrub, hedgerows, unimproved grassland and ponds.

Declining bird species such as the lesser spotted woodpecker and bullfinch can thrive in orchard environments, as can a wide diversity of mosses, lichen and fungi and bat species.

Traditional orchards also provide important habitats for the beautiful, but rare noble chafer beetle, that lives in the dead wood of older trees.

Orchard advice guides (.pdf)

• TIN012 - Traditional orchards: a summary
• TIN013 - Traditional orchards: site and tree selection - This information note provides guidance on how to select sites for new orchards and the types of tree to plant within new and existing orchards.
• TIN014 - Traditional orchards: planting and establishing fruit trees -This information note provides guidance on planting in and replanting an orchard and the establishment of new trees.
• TIN015 - Traditional orchards: an introduction to pruning
• TIN016 - Traditional orchards: formative pruning of young trees - This information note provides guidance on why young fruit trees require formative pruning and on how to prune them. The main part of the guidance applies mainly to apples and pears, in particular dessert varieties. The final section explains the main differences when pruning other fruit trees.
• TIN017 - Traditional orchards: maintenance pruning - This information note provides guidance on the reasons for the routine pruning of fruit trees and advice on the different methods of achieving this.
• TIN018 - Traditional orchards: restoring and managing mature and neglected orchards
• TIN019 - Traditional orchards: fruit tree health - This information note provides information on identifying, and managing for, the main pests, diseases and nutrient deficiencies that may affect a traditional orchard.
• TIN020 - Traditional orchards: orchards and wildlife - This provides information on the wildlife found in orchards and gives guidance on how to manage orchards for wildlife.
• TIN021 - Traditional orchards: glossary

Medlars are one of our ancient British fruits making a come back.

During the middle ages, people would have been very familiar with this strange looking small fruit which is actually eaten in it's over ripe or "bletted" stage.

Common Medlar

No longer in commercial cultivation, old gardens are generally home to the only trees in the UK.  Some of these trees will be about two hundred years old.

Tracklements Ltd. in Wiltshire have launched a delicious new Medlar Jelly. Great with turkey, pheasant or game it is perfect for the Christmas table or the cold cuts' table for left-over meat.

The medlars for this jelly were picked by the kind people int he surrounding area. You can see pictures of the donatees and picking adventures on their facebook page.

Tracklements started a quest to find some of these ancient medlar trees and the option of taking the unused fruit in return for finished product.

BBC Countryfile heard of this project and joined them picking for a day.

Put your fruit to work

We are aware that there are various food producers around the UK who will take in unused fruit from gardens and orchards in return for a quantity of finished product.

It would be handy for producers and growers if we could create a database of people willing to link up and put the country's unused fruit to good use.  If you are interested in joining our list then please contact us via the comments section at the end of this post.

More information

Common Medlar - More information about the Common Medlar

Tracklements Ltd

BBC Countryfile

BBC Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, who own and runs the Cotswold Farm Park was crowned Champion of the Year at the annual farmers Weekly Awards.

The Farmers Weekly Champion of the Year award is presented annually to an individual who has shown outstanding commitment to communicating farming to the public.  Adam collected his award at this years' ceremony, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

Peter Kendall, the NFU president, praised Adam for his dedication and down-to-earth approach.

North Ronaldsay Sheep in their native Orkney Isles

Through the BBC Countryfile programme, Adam brought the trials and tribulations of farming life to the public eye.  His constant battle with Bovine TB was made even more poignant when some of his rare breed cattle and one of his oxen had to be slaughtered.

Adam Henson runs a mixed arable and animal farm in the Cotswolds and the arm is famous for it's rare breed conservation work.

Cotswold Farm Park is home to many rare animal breeds including, White Park cattle, oxen and North Ronaldsay Sheep.  The farm is open to the public from March to October.

More information

Cotswold Farm Park

BBC Countryfile

Farmers Weekly interactive