"The best time to plant an apple tree is
twenty years ago...
...the next best time is today" Martin Luther King
Stamford Community Orchard Group is a non-profit making group whose aim is to
preserve the old orchards that still exist in Stamford, to establish new orchards and
to rediscover old apple varieties.
We could do with a group like this here in Rutland, they could start by saving the old orchard at Barleythorpe Hall, I wonder if any of those apples could make a good cidar instead a few more houses when Deputy Council leader Cllr Terry King gets his wish to flog of the neglected Barleythorpe Hall.
SCOG objectives are:
Heritage to rediscover Stamford's lost apples to create a stock of these for planting in orchards and gardens locally.
Community to establish Community Orchards to make the orchards into open space amenities for local peoples accessible at all times by all the community,
Wildlife to preserve the wildlife lost in the destruction of old orchards and trees.
Education to encourage local schools to use the orchards both new and restored, as an educational resource.
There were at least 44 varieties of apples specific to Stamford in Victorian times. Three people introduced these: Richard Gilbert, head gardener at Burghley House, and two local nurserymen, Robert Brown and Thomas Laxton.
The only Stamford apples currently available from specialist nurseries in this country are the-
Allington Pippin
Lord Burghley
Barnack Beauty
Peasgood Nonsuch
Schoolmaster
SCOG believe that there could be many of the 'lost' apples still surviving in town gardens and orchards around Stamford.
If you know of an old tree or orchard whose variety is unknown please contact them.
The Group depends upon the voluntary efforts of people in and around Stamford - they could always use extra help for activities such as:
Orchard and Wild Flower planting, Maintenance, Pruning, Harvesting.
If you are unable to participate as a volunteer, then maybe you could become a 'friend' of the group. For a small fee they will keep you informed of the Group's activities with a twice yearly newsletter or email.
East of England Apples and Orchards Projects
Over 100 varieties of apples were on show at Stamford Arts Centre, not just from Stamford.Included some from East of England, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
SCOG are looking for sponsors for the apple trees they have planted in their orchard, which is situated off Christ Church Close, Stamford.
This sponsorship is open to individuals and businesses alike. All they ask is a donation of £30 to the Group and an interest in the apple tree you have chosen.
Please visit their website for an up-to-date list of trees which are available to new sponsors.
Stamford Community Orchard Group
c/o Stamford Town Hall,
St. Mary's Hill
Stamford, Lincs, PE9 2DR
Tel: 07031 743276
Email: info@scog-web.org.uk
Reg Charity No. 1115719
