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Adopt an Ark of Taste Fruit Tree



launched 01 October 2021
with Slow Food Scotland and Wendy Barrie









The Ark of Taste Orchard is our legacy for COP26, supporting the biodiversity pillar of Slow Food. It’s a great way to connect people with a passion for Slow Food, heritage flavours, biodiversity and climate change.






Cambusnethan Pippin is a rare cultivar, probably originating at the Cambusnethan Monastery. It was said to have been raised by Mr Paton, gardener at Cambusnethan House in 1750s. This apple variety is from the Clyde Valley, historically famous for its orchards. Beauty of Moray is an old Scottish cooking apple, first recorded in 1883, and a favourite in the North of Scotland.

Each variety within the Ark of Taste Orchard posesses a fascinating story. With the rise of modern varieties which produce much sweeter fruits, it’s now more important than ever that we protect these varieties. Scotland is home to a very distinct range of heritage culinary and dessert apples, currently being looked after by a small number of specialist fruit tree growers.

So as a legacy for COP26, we set up the Orchard at Errichel Farm, one of our favourite farms and restaurants in Scotland. One apple tree would not bear much fruit for the first few years, however the orchard should produce a healthy yeild after a couple of years.






If you’d like to adopt a tree in the orchard, we’re still accepting adoptions!






What will I recieve?


Each tree buyer will receive an annual edible gift* for 5 consecutive years as soon as the trees bear fruit as a thank you. The planting of such a heritage tree is for planet, not profit and it is hoped that Slow Food supporters will participate in this worthwhile project.


Where will it grow?


Autumn is the best time to plant fruit trees, and Paul & Becky Newman at Errichel have been selected and kindly agreed to create a haven for this special orchard. This spot in Perthshire has been picked because:

1 It gives a place where trees can be grouped together and people can visit and learn.

2 There is someone with knowledge to tend the trees.

3 SF Cooks Alliance Member Paul is already a strong supporter of Slow Food, running their restaurant and farm shop on their working farm with heritage Ark breeds. He and Becky make fine custodians, appreciating the significance of this living genebank.

4 Paul makes their own chutneys, jellies, hams, biltong etc so is ideally placed to create a product using the Ark of Taste fruit.

5 As they keep Ark of Taste large black pigs, any fallen apples will be used regeneratively and the resulting pork will be delicious.



Available Ark of Taste trees

WHILE STOCKS LAST



Beauty of Moray
An old Scottish cooking apple, first recorded in 1883, a favourite in the North of Scotland.
 
Bloody Ploughman
Perthshire apple with a spectacular deep red colour – named after the ploughman shot for scrumping.

Cambusnethan Pippin
A firm crisp Cox-type apple from the Clyde Valley.

James Grieve
The Edinburgh apple, bred by Mr Grieve it is sharp and juicy.

Gordon Castle plum
Created by head gardener at Gordon Castle, Moray, first noted in 1864.

Lass O’ Gowrie
NOT YET AVAILABLE
HOPEFULLY COMING SOON

An old Perthshire variety originating at Gowrie farm around 1883.

Tower of Glamis
NOT YET AVAILABLE
HOPEFULLY COMING SOON
A large early to midseason cooker & prolific cropper.



How do I adopt my tree?


Please send your request for the heritage Ark of Taste fruit trees at £40 each to wendy@wendybarrie.co.uk who is coordinating the orchard. Slow Food Scotland will then send you details for a money transfer direct to Slow Food Scotland account whereupon your order will be placed and a tree planted.

* Terms & Conditions - Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to send your gift, this may not be possible if, for example, you have moved overseas.





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