A NEW traditional Community Orchard has been planted in Barford St Martin as villagers unite to help save rare Wiltshire heritage apple trees from disappearing.

The project has been led by the Barford St Martin Community Fund, which has a strong track record of raising money for initiatives that benefit residents while supporting the environment and nature.

Research shows that 90% of traditional orchards have been lost since the 1950s due to neglect and the development and growth of modern orchards.

Without action, remaining old orchards risk being lost altogether.

Among the rare Wiltshire apples planted in the new orchard are ancient varieties including Bedwyn Beauty, Burn’s Seedling and Mary Barnett – the latter raised in 1920 from a pip to celebrate her wedding day.

Other local apples include Dredge’s Fame, Wiltshire’s oldest recorded apple dating back to 1802 and grown by nurseryman William Dredge of Wishford, Salisbury, and Choristers Boy, first recorded in 1890 and discovered in a Salisbury garden.

Residents hard at work planting a range of heritage varieties of apple trees and other important fruiting trees. (Picture: Peter Thompson)

Claire Elsworth, a Barford Community Fund committee member who has coordinated the project, said: “Trees support our wellbeing and connect us to nature. We are so thrilled that this project is now a reality, particularly as it is saving some of our precious heritage varieties of apple trees.

“In the future, we will be organising many fun events in the orchard such as apple blossom days, pruning courses, Wassailing, apple pressing and more besides. We are keen to get children involved too, so that they can learn more about nature and the importance of growing and harvesting food.”

In total, 20 different types of fruit trees have been planted, including traditional plums, pears, damsons and crab apples.

Wildflower areas and seating will also be created, allowing residents to enjoy the blossom in early spring. Information boards detailing the rare apple varieties and their history will be installed in time.

The orchard is also expected to become a valuable habitat for local wildlife, supporting butterflies, bumblebees, birds, bats and beetles.

The Barford Community Fund received a part-funded FiPL grant through the Cranborne Chase Landscape Partnership and has thanked Barford St Martin Parish Council for its guidance and for providing a suitable site.