Orchard Network

History

Traditional Orchards are a vital and characteristic feature of our rural landscape and heritage. The exact origins of orchards are obscure but it is thought our prehistoric ancestors cultivated fruit trees 20,000 years ago with the first written records appearing in Anglo-Saxon times. From AD1100 Normans brought their orchard culture to Britain. Norman French bishops and abbots controlled the monasteries and many had orchards and apple presses. By this time orchards were beginning to play a vital part in the rural economy. In 1230 cider presses in Somerset are listed in a Royal Charter as a source of income for the Bishop of Bath.

Orchards reached the peak of their popularity during the 17th and 18th centuries when there was large scale planting of orchards, especially in the West of England.

The growing of fruit, and particularly apples, continued to increase in importance and by the 18th century lowland southern Britain was described as having a vast fruit bearing forest. At that time villages and farms were often fringed by orchards and the growing and picking of apples was a major part of the rural scene, as well as cider making. Cider was often provided to farm labourers as part of their weekly wage. This even continued after the Cider Truck Act was introduced in 1887 to prohibit the payment of wages in cider.

Culture

In addition to being important for food production and the economy, orchards were also considered to be mystical places of fertility and magic. This is reflected by some of the traditions which remain today such as Wassailing and blossom celebrations. Since 1988, Common Ground have been working to raise awareness of the many benefits that Traditional Orchards bring to our localities. Their Save the Orchard campaign gained the interest of the Countryside Commission in orchards as landscape features and then for support through Countryside Stewardship.

Common ground also created  'Apple Day', promoting the variety of the apple and the orchards they come from, while Community Orchards have been initiated all over the country, offering local communities a place to play, relax, work, learn and gather.

Orchards Under Threat

It was not until the 20th century that the area of Traditional Orchards began to decline dramatically and by the 1950s over 60% had been lost. Many were cleared and the land used for other crops. Some were lost to development or neglect and others converted to modern bush orchards to increase their profitability.

Today we recognise the important role Traditional Orchards play in our cultural and natural heritage. Numerous organisations and individuals have driven public awareness of their demise, and continue to work to ensure they survive into the 21st Century.