Friends of Belan Association

The Orchard

The trees in this orchard are rare varieties of Welsh fruit trees and these almost extinct varieties we have chosen are grown by Ian Sturrock, a horticulturalist with a passion for keeping old strains alive. They are organic, tough and disease-resistant.

They all have fascinating histories!                                           

Bardsey Island apple                                                                             

A single gnarled old tree was discovered in 1999 near the remains of a 13th century abbey on this lonely and wind-swept island. Brogdale Agricultural Trust in Kent, the home of the National Fruit Collection, declared it unique and added it to the collection of over 2000 different varieties from all over the world.

Diamond apple                                                                                           

In 1852, A sailing ship 'The Diamond', travelling from America with a cargo of apples, was wrecked in Cardigan bay. Barrels of apples were washed ashore and were recovered by resourceful people who planted the pips. Subsequently orchards were developed.Over time these fell into abeyance and were gradually lost In 2006, after much searching, Ian finally found a single tree in Dyffryn Ardudwy near Barmouth and The following Spring, taking wood from the old tree, he grafted the first new Diamond apple trees. They bear bright red apples.

Snowden Queen pear                                                                       

 Three very old diminutive pear trees were found in 1984 growing on the side of Snowden above Llanberis. The stock is thought to have originated from the Vaynol Estate possibly via gardeners who lived in the area and worked on the estate.

Trwyn Mochyn apple (Pig's Snout apple.)                                          

Long grown in Anglesey and first recorded in 1600. This large green cooking apple was named because of its unique shape.

Cariad cherry                                                                                               

Three species were crossed by Ian Sturrock and sons to produce a tree suitable for the Welsh climate. Tested for ten years on the banks of the Menai Strait, the fruit it produces is red- skinned and sweet.

St Cecilia apple                                                                                       

Raised in 1900 in Monmouthshire from a seedling of Cox's Orange Pippin, its flavour is said to be at its best on St Cecilia's day. St Cecilia being the patron saint of music it is a must for inclusion at the Fort!

Aberwyngregny damson

Sadly the damson tree, after a long struggle,  finally died.  It was the second attempt to grow a damson tree at Belan so I don't think we'll plant another one.