Orchards - A Beginner’s Guide

Join us at The Sanctuary for a guided walk and learn all about orchards. The small village of Golant was once dotted with traditional orchards and hosted 6 cider presses. Most of these orchards were grubbed out in the late 20th century to make way for development, as they were throughout the country. Finally the tide is turning and enthusiasts are planting orchards again and rediscovering old varieties of fruits once common. The Sanctuary’s 80 tree heritage orchard, first planted 6 years ago, is thriving and already bearing fruits. In addition, mini orchards have been planted in our native woodland. The focus is on traditional varieties best suited to Cornwall’s moist climate with a range of the best desert, cooking and cider apples. In addition to many apple and pear trees we have cherries, plums, damsons, gages, quince, medlars and mazzards.

If you’ve ever thought about planting an orchard or just one fruit tree come along and learn from our successes and mistakes.