Clayacre Farm, North Somerset

The core of this farm is the ancient orchard. Many of the old trees had fallen and a major program of replanting was undertaken in 1992. About 100 trees were planted almost entirely pre-1660 varieties of apple, pear cherry, quince, mulberry, plum and walnut, supplementing the surviving elderly apple trees.

The orchard also grazes young calves and provides a home for multiple hives of bees. It is farmed organically [although not certified due to the cost] and to our knowledge has not been sprayed since 1960 and quite possibly not before that.

Since 1992 a rolling program of replanting has replaced ancient trees as they die.