Welsh growers to resurrect heirloom apples

Garden and greenhouse enthusiasts in Wales are to revive some of the country’s once loved apple varieties.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the Knucklas Castle Community Land Project has planted an acre of land in the village of Knucklas.

As well as heirloom apples, some of which date back centuries, the 86-tree orchard will contain mulberries, medlars and quince.

The project is funded by a Powys Environmental Partnerships grant and is part of the organisation’s community growing activities, which have already seen it establish an allotment.

Included in the historic varieties are the Perthyre Welsh cider apple, Sheep’s Snout and Bardsey Apple, which is said to be the rarest variety in the world.

The Bardsey was discovered a decade ago growing from a single tree on a Welsh island.

"We chose Welsh varieties because the fruit that’s grown up here is likely to do best here," explained founding member Andy Kenyon-Wade.

Meanwhile, the RHS is soon hosting its Dig Together Day – a celebration aimed at getting new people interested in garden and greenhouse activities.