Project aims to safeguard rich heritage of orchards
ANEW Heritage Fruit Trees cluster in Wales will be launched next week at an event headlined by a man whose discovery of an ancient apple sparked renewed interest in the country’s forgotten fruit trees.
Bangor nurseryman Ian Sturrock, who helped identify the Bardsey Apple in 1998, will take centre stage at the Celebration of Welsh Heritage Fruit Trees event.
Organised by Glyndwr University’s Horticulture Wales project in Wrexham, it’s being at held the RSPB Conwy nature reserve on Monday, February 18, from noon-3pm.
The event will see the launch of the new fruit trees cluster, designed to promote the planting and mapping of orchards across Wales.
Mr Sturrock said: “The discovery of the Bardsey Island Apple created a surge of interest in Welsh heritage fruit varieties.
“This, in turn, led to the production of juices, cider and other commodities which boosted local jobs and economies.
“Hopefully our reintroduction of the Denbigh Plum, after a gap of 100 years, will lead to a similar revival of interest and job creation in the local area.”
First mentioned in literature 1785, it is thought the Denbigh Plum was developed much earlier by medieval monks.
The only native Welsh plum known to have survived the arrival of nonnative varieties, its fortunes have been revived in recent years and it is now celebrated at the annual Denbigh Plum Festival. The variety is also grown commercially by Mr Sturrock.
At the event, he will share his expertise and explain why the trees are so important to Welsh culture, heritage, the environment and the rural economy.
Welsh growers, orchard owners and horticultural businesses are all encouraged to attend the day, paid for the Welsh Government with Rural Development Programme funding.
Visitors can even discover if they have an undiscovered tree in their own garden.
For a small fee to cover laboratory costs, plant expert Dr Danny Thorogood will undertake to test any fruits, leaves, twigs or buds that are brought in.
Dr Thorogood will also discuss the Welsh Plant Breeding Station at Aberystwyth University, which is marking its centenary this year.
As the repository of a unique collection of Welsh heritage apple and pear cultivars, it took part in a recent DNA fingerprinting exercise to identify fruit trees that are unique to Wales.
As a result, it now hosts a “Heritage Museum” orchard overseen by the Welsh Perry and Cider Society.
■ To book your place at the event, call Horticulture Wales on 01978 293401 or go to horticulturewales@glyndwr.ac.uk