The Perry pear and its fermented juice
July 31st, 2009
Few people have heard about the Perry pear or drank Perry, made from fermented pear juice. It’s a “curious drink for a slow world” Read the rest of this entry
Articles in ‘orchards of Britain’
Ancient orchards
July 30th, 2009Episode from BBC Radio 4’s Living World on life in a 100-year-old National Trust orchard in Hertfordshire full of strange beasts that can only be found among old fruit trees, including beetles that look like fleas and moth caterpillars which bore holes in trees as thick as a finger. Listen here
British apples
July 30th, 2009
Britain’s climate is ideal for growing apples. Some apple facts:
- apples originated in the Tien-Shan mountains (on the China-Kazakhstan border)
- Romans introduced them to Britain
- the diversity of varieties (over 2,000 have been grown in Britain) largely stem from the Victorian and Edwardian period, an age of passionate gardeners and cross-pollinators
- British apple varieties often have interesting names: Peasgood Nonsuch, Bloody Ploughman and Greasy Pippin
- Ashmeads Kernel, which originated in England around 1700, is often singled out as an example of the pros and cons of the British apple. Pro - the taste.
“… the bite is a nutty snap, exploding with champagne-sherbet juice infused with a lingering scent of orange blossom. Stick me in Pseuds Corner if you like, but try one and you’ll see I’m right.” - Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall in the Guardian
Con - the appearance. Far from the uniform glossiness supermarkets seek in their apples, the Ashmead Kernel varies enormously in size and has a dull russet colour. What’s more, it’s often covered in dark spots.
The future for British apples: public interest in native apple varieties is growing, but orchard growers are worried about the declining bee population.
The photo of an Ashmeads Kernel is from Orange Pippin, web resource for apples and orchards
The RSPB is gathering extensive information about exactly where swifts are nesting in the UK. It is suspected that their rapid decline in recent years is linked with a drop in suitable nesting sites, as buildings are modernised.
The first year’s survey reveals that of the houses where swifts are nesting:
A new generation of commoners will receive financial support to ensure animals continue to graze in the New Forest and so conserve its rich biodiversity.
The Co-op is further expanding its 
There are now some excellent landscape blogs covering Britain. Here are a few:
With more and more people wanting to grow their own fruit and vegetables, the National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners have over 100,000 people on their waiting lists. The National Trust have responded to this demand by allocating land for “super allotments” or community farms. In return for a monthly fee, members will decide what should be grown, and have the opportunity to work on the farms, receiving a share of the produce. 
