(Many counties have their own varieties of fruit. If you have information for other areas please contact info@organicgarden.org.uk)

The three counties of Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Herefordshire have a long history of fruit growing. This tradition has produced many varieties which are peculiar to one of the three counties or to a smaller area within their borders. In Gloucestershire 157 varieties of apple have been recorded of which just under a half have disappeared.

This loss of varieties has been caused by changes in agricultural practices and shopping habits and foreign competition. The old varieties may not meet the requirements of today’s market in terms of productivity, storage or appearance. However, there is now increasing interest in these varieties. County councils often offer grant for their planting, especially if they are grown to be large standard trees.

Walcot Organic Nursery has a small selection available of apple varieties from the three counties grown mostly on the vigorous M25 rootstock which will make standard trees, trees with a clear stem of 1.8m (6’)

Perry Pears are almost confined to the three counties. With its favourable climate the region is home to over 120 varieties, often local to a very small area such as a parish. The Nursery has three of the more well-known varieties for fireblight resistance.