National Plant Collection® status has been awarded to the Gloucestershire Orchard Trust, a charity with a mission to conserve and celebrate Gloucestershire’s orchards.
The county has a rich orchard heritage, with many local apple cultivars, but unfortunately the number of cultivars has reduced from over 200 a century ago, to under 100 today. Many of the remaining cultivars are very rare, and in danger of disappearing altogether. The Trust’s Gloucestershire apple collection is key to conversing this heritage, and the DNA information it holds.
According to Steve Mason, Curator of the Trust, achieving National Collection status is a big part of the project, and fundamental to the Trust's work. He shares his advice for potential National Collection holders, “If you have the passion and are interested in setting up a National Collection, then go for it! Members of Plant Heritage were very helpful, providing advice at every stage of the process. The work of Plant Heritage, in conjunction with the many National Collection holders is a vital part of maintaining this country's horticultural excellence.”
Gloucestershire Orchard Trust
Interest in heritage apple cultivars, including the Gloucestershire varieties, has grown over recent years, and the Trust helps to promote these apples through the planting of community orchards across the county and the wider region. They recently had a stand at the Malvern Autumn Show, which included samples of Gloucestershire varieties for visitors to try, hopefully inspiring people to grow these varieties. Steve comments that having their National Collection status displayed on the stand was valuable at the show, and they’re keen to provide scion material from the collection to enable people to graft their own trees.
Whilst each cultivar has a fascinating story, Steve has a particular highlight, Kempley Red, which has no remaining mature fruiting trees in Gloucestershire, and only one remaining in Herefordshire. There are a few younger grafted trees, including two currently held by the Trust ready to be planted out this winter, with great ceremony!
Steve Mason, Curator of Gloucestershire Orchard Trust, said: “Having a National Collection is both an enormous honour and responsibility. It awards the hard work of all the Trust's volunteers, and gives focus to our mission of conserving and celebrating Gloucestershire's traditional orchard heritage."
Gwen Hines, CEO of Plant Heritage, added: “We’re thrilled that the Gloucestershire Orchard Trust has been awarded National Plant Collection® status, it’s crucial that we protect these rare apple cultivars and the heritage of Gloucestershire’s orchards.”
Further information about the work of the Gloucestershire Orchard Trust, and their National Collection, can be found at www.glosorchards.org