Hard work bears fruit for group

4:30pm Sunday 4th November 2007

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Hard work by local apple enthusiasts has borne fruit with the provision of a local support group for growers and an apple press for their surplus crops.

The South Lakeland Orchard Group grew from a local blossoming of interest in apple trees and the need to preserve local orchards and varieties of apple.

"We started this group so that people could get the information they need for growing apples trees and for preserving old orchards," said South Lakeland Orchard Group secretary Brian Fereday. "Local interest has grown since Apple Day started ten years ago, but people have always had a strong nostalgic connection to apple trees based on childhood memories. We've had people talking to us with stories such as what they remember from their grandfather's orchard. Orchards are also popular for increasing biodiversity and improving the landscape."

The group now has 20 members who can provide fruitful advice, and an apple press which can be hired for £5 a day to turn all the surplus apples into juice and cider. "There's a limit to how many apple pies and chutneys people can make," said Mr. Fereday.

For full story see the November 2 edition of The Westmorland Gazette.