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Orchard Background
In
recent years, cider apple growers have been faced with falling
prices and reduced demand for their produce. In many cases, contracts
were not renewed and large areas of orchard were grubbed or left
to nature. Many large cider makers use fewer pure cider apples
and more juice concentrate, with harvests sometimes left to rot
where they lie.
To
meet these challenges, Springfield Cider Orchard needed a change
of direction and this began with a change of ownership in January
2003. Following a comprehensive evaluation of the orchard, plans
were drawn up to encourage improved productivity in selected areas,
coupled with an emphasis on organic rather than chemical husbandry.
As
a first step, 2000 trees were removed. This allowed us to improve
the demarcation and nurturing of individual apple varieties and
greatly improved access and seasonal operational efficiency. Hedgerows
that were previously considered a hindrance were allowed to regenerate
and, at the same time, we were able to extend headland and wildlife
habitats with obvious benefits to the orchard as a whole.
Some
sections of the orchard have been stock-fenced and now provide
valuable grazing for local sheep farmers, as well as our own Kune
Kune pigs. We have also introduced perimeter and internal bridleways,
which allow safe off-road riding for our Andalusian horses. It
has been a pleasure to see the land put to such diverse use, especially
in the Spring with some 25 acres echoing to the sound of young
lambs.
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