Apple Day

Written on 21 October 2023.

{Play}Four new trees for Marlborough's Community Orchard

On Saturday, 21 October, Town Mayor, Councillor Nicholas Fogg, was invited to plant the first of four rare apple trees to add to the town's thriving Community Orchard.

Apple Day was conceived in 1990 by conservation charity Common Ground.

In 2010 Marlborough's Community Orchard (MCO) came into being with the idea to create a town in an orchard for the benefit of all. The apple tree planted at Priory Gardens in October 2010 on Marlborough's first Apple Day is thriving. MCO was greatly helped and encouraged by the Town Mayor at the time - Nicholas Fogg, who began his third Mayoral term in May 2023. As Philippa Davenport of MCO explained, it was right and fitting to invite him along in 2023 to help plant rare Wiltshire apple variety, Corsley Pippin. This was the first of four saplings planted on the same day, with varieties Mary Barnett, Burn's Seedling and Roundway Magnum Bonum being planted at Farrar Drive later the same day.

There are 10 rare Wiltshire apples dotted around the town, with 23 other apple varieties in addition to crab apple, cherry, damson, plum, medlar, quince, pear and black mulberry. Seek them out at the Diamond Jubilee Plantation on Marlborough Common near the junction with Hyde Lane, at Wye House Gardens, Priory Gardens, Roger's Meadow, Waitrose car park, Jubilee Field Manton, Morris Road, Reed's Ground and St Mary's and St Peter's churchyards. Enjoy the blossom in spring and help yourself to the fruit in autumn. The labels explain the variety and sponsors of the trees.

Trish Rowell explained how the MCO volunteers have researched and shared rare varieties with other towns and villages to share knowledge and keep old varieties going. Pruning is an important part of looking after the trees - if you'd like to get involved and perhaps learn some new skills, volunteers are always welcome.

On 29 October Transition Marlborough has teamed up with Marlborough's Community Fridge to present Windfalls and Wildings, telling the story of the apple's journey in music, story and song.

Thanks to Marlborough Rotarians who have welcomed the Corsley Pippin to their rose bed at Priory Gardens, and to Nigel Weatherly and his team for preparing the ground.