JAMES Crowden, acclaimed author and leading authority on cider, plants the first sapling in Somerset's newest orchard.
Traditional varieties of native apples will form a 36-tree plantation in the old garden of Dillington House, Ilminster.
In a few years the harvest will produce Dillington's very own cider, which will no doubt delight delegates and guests at the South West's foremost residential conference and adult education centre.
Somerset is a county famous for its cider orchards; in 1894 there were over 26,000 acres devoted to the fruit. Many disappeared over the next century, but cider is trendy again and apple-growing is back in favour...and flavour.
The Somerset varieties to be planted are: Tom Putt, the bitter sharp tasting Kingston Black (which is believed to have hailed from Kingston St Mary, near Taunton) and Dabinett, a bitter sweet flavour which came from Mid Lambrook.
The orchard was the idea of Wayne Bennett, Dillington's director, who says: " I'm keen to capitalise on the local distinctiveness of the area and celebrate another of Somerset's array of wonderful food and fruit.
"Dillington has a reputation for excellence including its food, drink and service. Cider is very much in vogue and I thought it would be wonderful to establish our own orchard and very much look forward to tasting a pint of our own cider in a few years time.
" The project has been made possible by a grant from Somerset County Council and the trees being sponsored by local individuals, keen to support the tradition of orchards in the locality. They will each get a bottle of the first cider to be produced."
Mr Bennett added: “I am delighted that James Crowden did us the honour of planting the first tree. James’ new book ‘Ciderland’ celebrates much of what is unique about Somerset and Dillington is very much part of local landscape in the south of the county.”
Mr Crowden said: "Planting an orchard like this is phenomenally important in keeping a fine tradition alive as well as these old Somerset varieties.
"A while ago people buying properties here would dig up their orchards. Now they are planting trees. This area in particular has been associated with cider-making for many centuries."
Somerset cider gained attention recently as neighbouring Julian Temperley was awarded a top prize at the 'Food Oscars' - the BBC Food & Farming Awards.
The award was partly in recognition of the county's long history of cider-making.
The first orchard dates back to the 13th Century and monasteries had good orchards. Current cider-makers are in fact relying on methods discovered 150 years ago.
Somerset is a popular place for cider-making as the climate and soil characteristics are perfect.
For further information please contact Wayne Bennett, director, on 01460 52427 or wbennett@somerset.gov.uk
www.dillington.com
Notes for Editors
Dillington House dates back to the 16th century and was once the west country home of George III’s Prime Minister, Lord North. Since 1949 it has been run by Somerset County Council albeit in recent years on an entirely self-financing basis. The accommodation has been rated as 5-Stars under the English Tourism Council’s ‘campus’ Inspection Scheme and it is the only venue in England to hold this accolade. Today, Dillington marries the world of learning, business and the arts in a unique programme mix.
James Crowden can be contacted at www. james-crowden.co.uk or 01460 30795
pix and words courtesy of Dermot Galvin and prone (www.prone.biz)
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