There are four apple trees towards the Western end, which were planted as a small Community Orchard when the reserve was established.
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Our 2023 season yielded a few eating apples.
The display board under Hilly Orchard footbridge shows the relevant section of an 1882 Ordnance Survey map, indicating a large orchard on the QEII playing field and across the canal (though by the 1920s much had disappeared). Henry and then WS Robbins, based on Foxmoor Lane, and Harper’s (in the old Mill) were Ebley cider makers, and, while there were other orchards hereabouts, perhaps these orchards were also stocked with Gloucestershire cider apples such as Foxwhelp and Hagloe Crab.
Now, to encourage a more open growth and to make the fruit more accessible, besides clearing around the undergrowth, this month the trees have been pruned, with the much appreciated help of a professionally qualified adviser, and some branches tied down.
All being well, in a few years the new shapes will have been adopted and the ties can be removed.
Once each tree has borne fruit it may be possible to identify the different varieties. Meanwhile, please continue to enjoy the anonymous apples along with the wildlife.
We would like to thank #MuckMatters for her generous support.
