03/05/2026
😥This has been a difficult post to write, and one we have been putting off. This year, we have had to make some hard decisions on the farm, and we wanted to share one of these with you before our charity event next Sunday.
Sadly, over the winter, we began removing part of our old orchard. This was the first thing we planted when the farm was bought in the 1960s, so it has always held a very special place for us.
The apple trees are now old and nearing the end of their productive life and many have become diseased. As much as we would love to keep everything as it was, a commercial orchard simply does not look after itself. A huge amount of time and money goes into its upkeep each year, with pruning and picking all done by hand, it's no longer sustainable.
Unfortunately there is now little to no market for our Bramley apples. Imported apples and apple products have replaced much of the demand for Irish apples. For the last number of years many farmers, ourselves included, have had to watch their crop fall to the ground in the Autumn as there simply has not been a market for them.
🌳We know many of you love this part of the farm as much as we do, and it has not been an easy decision. We will, however, be keeping a substantial number of trees around the walkway so that the character and memories of the orchard can still be enjoyed and a safe haven remains for wildlife.
Thank you, as always, for your understanding and support.
Please come along next Sunday (10th May) and enjoy the orchard walk along with lots of other activities in support the Maria Goretti Foundation.
