We are hoping to get together a small group of local people who would be able to put on a display of apple varieties at the Fruit Day in October. This display will be along the lines of the one shown by John Butterworth at our last Fruit Day (see Fruit Day 2008 photos).  There is a huge amount of fruit in our orchards and many orchard owners know some, if not all, of the varieties they have. We aim to display a collection of around half a dozen of each variety (with some for tasting).

We need your help! Please contact us via info@clydevalleyorchards.co.uk

Old and new fruit varieties for the Clyde Valley, by Jeremy Gilchrist (2008).

This short booklet draws on the current information and expertise available on top-fruit growing to recommend the best varieties for the Clyde Valley area – considering climate, topography and soil conditions. It highlights fruit varieties that have done well in the past, and introduces some new ones that should do well in the coming years.

Jeremy Gilchrist is a local horticulturalist with a large orchard and many years experience of growing fruit in the valley. The booklet also includes contributions and advice from John Butterworth who runs an organic fruit tree nursery in Ayrshire and is one of the country’s leading specialists in fruit tree growing.

ORDER  Price £2.50 including postage (£2.00 of every purchase goes to the Clyde Valley Orchard Group ‘Fruit Tree Fund’.

Please send a cheque made payable to The Clyde Valley Orchard Group plus information on number of copies required and mailing address to: Rose Clarkson, 30 Hope Street, Lanark, ML11 7NE.

Last year around 220 primary school children in the Clyde Valley area visited local orchards. This is a great ourdoor learning experience where children can find out more about their local heritage and wildlife – and have the opportunity to pick and take home some locally grown fresh fruit!

We are continuing with this programme of activities in 2010 - with school visits to orchards, and promoting fruit tree growing and orchards in school grounds. Contact the Orchard Project  if you would like to know more.