Collection

As our collection matures these lists of varieties will be updated, usually in the Spring conveniently after new trees have been planted, some been removed, and after the latest DNA results have been received and reviewed.

Varieties associated with Greater Welsh Marches area that have had their ID confirmed

This is a major part of our collection. There are 185 varieties listed in MAN’s orchards and almost all varieties have had their ID confirmed by both morphology and DNA. Not all have provenance to our area, some were adopted and found to be well suited to the wetter cooler climate of the English-Welsh border region. Names of varieties generally conform to that of the NFC (National Fruit Collection), and for recently accredited varieties are as listed under the Accreditation page. A number of these varieties are probably sports of well know varieties but, as they are potentially unrecognised nationally, we retain them while continuing our research.

Varieties from outwith our area that have had their ID confirmed

There are 225 varieties listed in MAN’s orchards and almost all varieties have had their ID confirmed by both morphology and DNA. Some may have had association with our area but it is generally of limited extent. We endeavour to retain most of these varieties but, as they are of a lesser priority, they may not be replaced if they die or if space is required for growing varieties more relevant to MAN. Some of these maybe removed and, perhaps, made available for sale. Names of these varieties generally conform to that of the NFC, and for recently accredited varieties are as listed under the Accreditation page.

Varieties with “working” or “temporary” names

This is the other major part of our collection. There are 109 varieties listed in MAN’s orchards, almost all varieties have had their DNA fingerprint determined. They have been given temporary names, usually associated with a place or person. We call them “working” or “manuscript” names. Of these varieties we have either not been able to identify them with confidence to a described variety, or we think they are “new”, that is a seedling or a hitherto unnamed variety. Some of the better or more interesting ones we are progressing towards Accreditation.

Graftwood available

Distributing the genetic material more widely is the best way to conserve them. We are pleased to supply graftwood to members of the public for a modest charge to cover time and costs of collecting materials and postage charges.

Sale of Surplus trees

Where healthy young trees are removed, or nurseries have over produced to our needs, we may offer these for sale to the public; we reserve the right to withdraw any at any time and offer first choice to members at our sole discretion.