Saddleworth Orchard
It took about five years to acquire part of Church Fields (in Dobcross) adjacent to the house we moved into in March 2008. I've always been a closet farmer and the opportunity to plant an orchard has been a 'dream come true.' We've planted a fruit orchard of approximately eighty trees, mostly Apples, but also Damson, Plum, Pear and Greengage. There are five avenues running East to West on a South facing slope. All varieties are planted on semi or vigorous rootstock. Tree size will eventually be approximately 15-25 ft tall (MM106 and M25 rootstock). Apple trees will come into production in 2016-17. This is a long term project. All trees are mid/late season varieties due to the late(r) frosts we get in NW England. The varieties are heirloom/heritage varieties, like Pitmaston Pineapple, Peasgood Nonsuch and others...
