This orchard is made up of two major collections.
On the east side, we have the National Collection of Welsh Apple Varieties. Despite the apple’s historical importance and vast popularity, more than half of England’s and Wales’ orchards have been lost since 1900.
On the west side, we have a collection of apple varieties from across the Celtic nations.
It is vital that we help to conserve these Welsh and Celtic varieties for future generations. Breeding along the Celtic fringe has relied on traits to establish apples in these wet regions – with resistance to diseases like scab, canker and Phytophora.
The Botanic Garden will utilise heritage varieties in danger of being lost alongside trying to restore lost apple varieties, which will enrich our orchards both culturally and genetically.
Innovative growing techniques will be used, including top-grafting desired apple cultivars to established trunks. This will ensure our trees are taller when we bring in sheep to keep down the grass and prevent weed overgrowth.
Local children and communities helped plant this orchard. Look closely and you’ll see their names assigned to the trees that they planted.