Apple tree back to its roots in village after 30-year absence
Historic Warner’s King returns to its rightful place in original orchard
A historic Kent cooking apple believed to have originated in Weavering has retaken its rightful place in the village after an absence of 30 years.
A Warner’s King apple tree was planted at a ceremony at the Diamond Jubilee Orchard, off Penhurst Close.
Also known as the Weavering Apple, the fruit is widely believed to have originated in an orchard on Weavering Street in the early 1800s – possibly the site of the current one.
With its distinctive lime green skin and rosy blush, it is a sweeter alternative to the Bramley apple, though mostly only available in farm shops unlike its more popular cousin.
More than 30 years ago the last known trees were cut down to make way for housing.
But the special fruit was celebrated at the village’s Festival of Fruit, which involved mayor Derek Butler and children from St John’s Church of England Primary School, in Provender Way.
Run in conjunction with the Mid Kent Downs Partnership, Boxley Parish Council, St John’s and Kent Orchards for Everyone, the festival included stalls and a range of activities, such as apple pressing, drawing and a chance to try Bramley and Warner’s King apple pies and cake.
Money to host the event came from an £8,000 fund from the Tesco carrier bag scheme and Heritage Lottery Funding. Pippa Palmar,project manager, said the orchard will eventually have six of the Warner’s King apple trees.
“It was brilliant because a lot of people were also unaware of the community orchard and they discovered they have this green space available,” she said. “Lots of families and children came along. They helped press the apples and looked at the different varieties as well.”