Orchard Network

In the latter half of the 20th century many orchards were lost, as were many Dorset varieties. Symondsbury Apple Project, with the help of writer James Crowden and pomologist Liz Copas have been researching orchards in Dorset, dispelling the myth that he county does not have a significant orchard heritage. By studying tithe maps and researching varieties, they found that many orchards were located in West Dorset, North Dorset, around Gillingham, Shaftesbury, Child Okeford and the Piddle Valley.

As part of their communtiy Fruit Swap project, Symondsbury Apple Project asked the poet, writer and one-time cidermaker to look into the history of orchards in Dorset using the 1839 tithe maps at the county archive. He found a wealth of orchard heritage in Symondsbury alone: 100 acres of apple and cherry orchard in the parish 1839. The Heritage Orchard Year was launched to look further into the county's orchard history and to promote research and encourage other groups to look into their own local heritage. It was funded by the Leader+ programme and the Local Hertage Initiative.

The project has produced a new booklet, a guide based on their own tried and tested research methods and their efforts to track down varieties and restore and plant orchards in the county. It is called 'Dorset Orchards: Research-Restore-Replant' and is available for £1 at the Centre For Local Food, The Bridport Museum, Groves Nurseries and Washingpool Farm Shop or by sending a £3 cheque or postal order made out to:

Symondsbury Apple Project, The Office, The Old Post Office, Duck Street, Symondsbury DT6 6EZ

info@appleproject.org.uk

01308 427449

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