Resources
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General orchard information
The National Fruit Collection (formerly Brogdale)
Visit websiteThe National Fruit Collection is one of the largest fruit collections in the world and includes over 3,500 named Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Bush fruit, Vine and Cob Nut cultivars. Located at Brogdale Farm, near Faversham (Kent), the collection is owned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is part of an international programme to protect plant genetic resources for the future.
The South Lakeland Orchard Group
Visit websiteOur sister organisation in the south of the county
The South Lakeland Orchard Group was formed in 2007 by people who are passionate about orchard fruits in the South Lakeland district of Cumbria, England. Their aims are to conserve, maintain and renovate existing fruit orchards and encourage the planting of new orchards in the South Lakeland area recognising the importance of bio-diversity and the preservation of old local varieties of fruit.
The Northern Fruit Group
Visit websitePromoting fruit growing in the north of England
The group was formed in November 1995 by a group of like-minded people with a passion for fruit growing. Membership has since grown to over 400 in number with a wide range of expertise from novice to professional growers. Although centred in Yorkshire, membership spreads as far as Scotland, west Wales, northern France and the Netherlands!
Westmorland Damson Association
Visit websiteProducts, history and information about Westmorland Damsons.
The Westmorland Damson Association was formed in April 1996 by a group of local people who wished to preserve the damson orchards in the old County of Westmorland, especially in and around the Lyth Valley.
Every April, they run the "Damson Day" in the Lyth valley.
The Lancashire Apples project
Visit websiteThe Lancashire Apples Project involves the Northern Fruit Group, Lancaster Seedsavers, the Middlewood Trust and Lancashire County Council, which has funded the exercise. In 2005, 200 apple trees were grafted at Middlewood near Lancaster. Most were of historic northern varieties, which were offered for sale to the public in Lancaster in February 2006. Such was the success of the project that it has been repeated - more local varieties have been grafted and will be available in early 2007.
Natural England
Visit websiteNatural England are the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England, helping to protect England’s nature and landscapes for people to enjoy and for the services they provide. Type "orchard" into their search box for relevant resources.
They have also produced a leaflet on traditional orchards in the context of climate change (click on the download link)
Download Traditional orchardsPeople's Trust for Endangered Species
Visit websitePeople’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. They are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and their team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Orchards are a valuable resource for native species. Type "orchard" into the search box on the site for more information.
National Biodiversity Network
Visit websiteThe National Biodiversity Network is a collaborative partnership created to exchange biodiversity information. It is a charity, with a membership including many UK wildlife conservation organisations, government, country agencies, environmental agencies, local environmental records centres and many voluntary groups.
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Orchard management
How not to grow fruit trees
The webmaster's tale of woe so that you can avoid the same mistakes.
Download How not to grow fruit treesThe Fruit Garden Displayed
ISBN 0-304-34016-2
Author: Harry Baker
The authoritative text on fruit growing. Currently out of print but numerous old editions are available second-hand.
The Apple Grower
ISBN 1-931498-91 1
Author: Michael Phillips.
A book from the US for apple-growing enthusiasts, particularly with reference to organic orchards. Some of the information is (East Coast) US-specific, but there is much of value.
Pruning apples
Apple tree pruning - for bush form
Download Pruning apple treesCare of the newly-grafted tree
The Scythe Shop
Visit websiteSimon Fairlie - supplier of Austrian scythes
This is the supplier of the NCOG scythes. Simon imports Schröckenfux hand-forged scythe blades into the UK, direct from the factory in Austria where they have been made since 1540. Austrian scythe blades are recognized around the world as being of the highest quality. They are lighter, nimbler, more elegantly formed and easier for the novice to sharpen -- yet no more expensive than traditional English scythes.
Formative pruning and pruning tip-bearing apple trees
Useful information sheets with a practical approach to pruning, courtesy of Chis Braithwaite.
Download Formative pruning Download Pruning tip-bearing apple trees -
Tree suppliers & fruit information
The Northern Pomona
ISBN 978-0-9556653-0-1
Editor: Linden Hawthorne.
An excellent book on northern apple varieties with beautiful watercolour plates and lots of recipes too.
The Apple Book
ISBN 978-0-7112-3141-2
Author: Rosie Sanders.
The definitive modern illustrated guide to English (and some international) apple varieties. Possibly the best illustrations for identification puposes.
Frank Matthews
Visit websiteFrank P Matthews grow over ½ million container grown and bare root fruit and ornamental trees every year for supply into garden centres, nurseries, mail order companies and commercial growers. They also supply rootstocks for orchard groups etc.
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Cider and juice-making
The Cider Workshop
Visit websiteLots of cider-related resources and an active forum.
Anyone can join the Cider Workshop discussion group and ask questions or simply discuss real/craft/traditional cider and perry (or as some of us prefer, heritage cider and perry.) The cider workshop web resource is an easy reference for all cider lovers and as a storage space of ideas and expertise for the group.
Craft Cider Making
ISBN 978-1-904871-37-8
Author: Andrew Lea.
An excellent guide from a technical expert who spent 13 years at the Long Ashton Reserarch Station (for the National Fruit and Cider Institute).
The New Cider Maker's Handbook
ISBN 978-1-60358-473-9
Author: Claude Jolicouer.
Highly informative guide for serious amateur and professional cider makers.
Cider Enthusiasts' Manual
ISBN 978-0-85733-283-7
Author: Bill Bradshaw.
Very practical guide to traditional cider making. Includes the webmaster's plans for making an apple press.
How to build an apple press
Build a sturdy and efficient press for well under half the price it would cost to buy one
Download Building an apple pressThe Wittenham Hill Cider Pages
Visit websiteLeading cider scientist Andrew Lea's personal website (unfortunately no longer updated)
A huge resource of general and detailed information about cider-making from the foremost cider scientist in the UK.
Real Cidermaking
ISBN 1-85486-495-6
Authors: Micahel Pooley & John Lomax.
A great introduction to cider-making, including information for making your own press.
Vigo presses
Visit websiteUK market leader in juicing and cider equipment
Milling, pressing and fermentation equipment plus a whole load of ancillary products.
Pure Cumbrian cider and apple juice - Mosser Cider
Visit websiteMosser Cider is the result of combining a passion for great cider with a desire to make a truly unique local product. It can only be found in outlets which take pride in local Cumbrian produce as well as excellent food and drink. The website has information about the cider and a (not very regular) blog about the orchard and products.
How to craft cider
Visit websiteInformation sheet on making cider (based on information at www.ciderworkshop.com)
Download How to craft cider (pdf)Juice pasteurising
A simple guide to pasteurising juice - just a big pan, bottles and thermometer required.
Download Juice pasteurising -
Information sheets
North Cumbria Orchard Group - information sheet
Information sheet about the group for download and printing
Download NCOG informationRecommended apples for growing in Cumbria
Apple tree size
This is a really useful guide to expected tree size, based on variety, rootstock and growing conditions. It is similar to the information given in the fruit section of this website, but a bit more detailed and can be printed for use at events etc.
Download Apple tree sizeHow not to grow fruit trees
The webmaster's tale of woe so that you can avoid the same mistakes.
Download How not to grow fruit treesWhy graft?
Information about the purpose of grafting and different apple rootstocks.
Download Why graft apples?Grafting
How to do whip and tongue grafts on apple trees
Download GraftingCare of the newly-grafted tree
Pruning apples
Apple tree pruning - for bush form
Download Pruning apple treesHow to build an apple press
Build a sturdy and efficient press for well under half the price it would cost to buy one
Download Building an apple pressHow to craft cider
Visit websiteInformation sheet on making cider (based on information at www.ciderworkshop.com)
Download How to craft cider (pdf)Formative pruning and pruning tip-bearing apple trees
Useful information sheets with a practical approach to pruning, courtesy of Chis Braithwaite.
Download Formative pruning Download Pruning tip-bearing apple treesJuice pasteurising
A simple guide to pasteurising juice - just a big pan, bottles and thermometer required.
Download Juice pasteurising -
Books
The Apples and Orchards of Cumbria
Visit websiteA comprehensive review of Cumbrian apple varieties and of Cumbrian orchards open to the public. ISBN: 978-190-452-4557
"This book grabs the apple lover from the start with the close-up of bright red fruit opposite the contents page. Dedicating the book to Cumbria's Queen of Apples, Hilary Wilson, the author – who chairs the South Lakeland Orchard Group – focuses on the varieties originating in our area and the gardens and orchards where they can others may be seen. In Lakeland, he writes, two distinct categories of fruit growing developed – in the great country houses, where apples were eaten fresh at the end of a meal and on farms, where the apples were used for cooking and the most common variety in the 19th century was Keswick Codlin. Whether you want to be able to tell a Lemon Square from a Nelson's Favourite or discover the connection between artist Kurt Schwitters and an orchard in Elterwater, this is the book for you." Cumbria Life, February 2014.
The Northern Pomona
ISBN 978-0-9556653-0-1
Editor: Linden Hawthorne.
An excellent book on northern apple varieties with beautiful watercolour plates and lots of recipes too.
The Apple Book
ISBN 978-0-7112-3141-2
Author: Rosie Sanders.
The definitive modern illustrated guide to English (and some international) apple varieties. Possibly the best illustrations for identification puposes.
The Fruit Garden Displayed
ISBN 0-304-34016-2
Author: Harry Baker
The authoritative text on fruit growing. Currently out of print but numerous old editions are available second-hand.
The Apple Grower
ISBN 1-931498-91 1
Author: Michael Phillips.
A book from the US for apple-growing enthusiasts, particularly with reference to organic orchards. Some of the information is (East Coast) US-specific, but there is much of value.
Craft Cider Making
ISBN 978-1-904871-37-8
Author: Andrew Lea.
An excellent guide from a technical expert who spent 13 years at the Long Ashton Reserarch Station (for the National Fruit and Cider Institute).
The New Cider Maker's Handbook
ISBN 978-1-60358-473-9
Author: Claude Jolicouer.
Highly informative guide for serious amateur and professional cider makers.
Cider Enthusiasts' Manual
ISBN 978-0-85733-283-7
Author: Bill Bradshaw.
Very practical guide to traditional cider making. Includes the webmaster's plans for making an apple press.
Real Cidermaking
ISBN 1-85486-495-6
Authors: Micahel Pooley & John Lomax.
A great introduction to cider-making, including information for making your own press.
The Apple Orchard - The story of our most English fruit
ISBN 978-0-141-98228-1
Author: Pete Brown.
Highly entertaining and informative journey through the seasons in England's apple-growing heartlands.
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Research
Cumbria Apple Project
In 1997 a survey of orchards in two North Cumbrian parishes was carried out - you can download the original document as a pdf file using the download link below but be aware that the file is 6mb. Please note that the Cumbria Apple Project materials remain the property of the original authors, Nick Hirst and Peter Emsley.
Download Cumbria Apple Survey