Introduction
The Filby Orchard Village Project is a partnership between the Filby in Bloom team on behalf of the village, Norfolk County Council, Planning and Transportation Department and The East of England Apples and Orchards Project.
The project aims:
- To create and maintain an orchard within the village for the enjoyment of the residents.
- To create and maintain smaller groups of trees on smaller sites where appropriate.
- To work with partners, such as the East of England Apples and Orchards Project, to secure this aim.
- To use local varieties to endeavour to ensure their long term future.
- To make suitable trees, stakes, guards, ties etc. available, at reasonable cost, for residents to plant within their own property.
The project also contributes towards combatting climate change by helping to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
The Trees
We are using trees supplied by the East of England Apples and Orchards Project.
What makes them special is that they are all varieties native to Norfolk. By using them in the project we will be helping to ensure the survival of these varieties.
We are starting with a selection of seven varieties, one dual use variety, three cookers (culinary) and three eaters (dessert):
- Green Roland
- Norfolk Beefing
- Vicar of Beighton
- Summer Broaden
- Horsford Prolific
- Sandringham
- Red Ellison
In More Detail
Green Roland
1800s, Pick late September, use October - November
Probably arose in East Norfolk in the 1800s where it is known locally as 'Norfolk Green Queen' and around Rollesby near Great Yarmouth as 'John Shreeve'. It was widely planted in east Anglia during WW2 when sugar was rationed and until the 1960s was a popular market gardeners' choice. Medium to large in size. Dull green skin with an occasional pinkish-brown flush. Cooks to a firm puree needing little sugar.
BackNorfolk Beefing
1698, pick mid October, use December - April
Known in Norfolk for centuries, the earliest record is in the Mannington Hall Estate records of the Walpole family, but it may have originated in France or possibly Holland. A very long-keeping, tough skinned and firm fleshed purple flushed apple. Excellent for making dried apple rings, and for baking slowly in a cool oven to make 'Biffins' - once a Victorian delicacy at Christmas time. Has good scab resistance.
BackVicar of Beighton
1890, pick early October, use December to February.
Assumed to have been raised as a seedling at Beighton, near Acle, probably by the Rev. Alfred Fellows. Introduced by Daniels Bros., Norwich nurserymen, in 1890. Attractive, large and almost totally flushed red, with some russet. Sweet, soft flesh.
BackSummer Broaden
1796, pick mid September, use September - October
Place of origin not known. Also known as Norfolk Summer Broadend. In the 1800s it was recorded as being a popular cottage-garden apple and sold on the Norwich markets. Large and irregularly shaped, yellow skinned with orangey-red flush and stripes. Sharp and fruity to taste and keeps shape when cooked.
BackHorsford Prolific
1900, pick mid - October, use December - March.
Arose in the garden of the Rev. Mountford of Horsford, near Norwich. Grown commercially on a small scale locally and sometimes sold as 'Queen Anne'. A very attractive apple. Medium to large in size. Yellow skinned with a bright orangey-red flush. Some broken red stripes. Flesh is sweet, crisp and juicy. Has good scab resistance.
BackSandringham
1883, pick mid October, use November - February.
Raised by Mr Penny, Head Gardener at Sandringham House, near King's Lynn, and first exhibited at the National Apple Congress in 1883. It is believed to be a seedling of the UK variety Winter Pearmain and was first sold by Veitch's of London. It became a popular variety for gardens. A large green-skinned apple with some red stripes. Keeps well and mellows with storage. Sweet and firm fleshed.
Has been described as vigorous.
BackRed Ellison
1948, pick mid - September, use September - October
A more highly coloured red 'sport' of Ellison's Orange, discovered growing in the Fenland orchards of Harold Selby of Walpole St. Peter. Medium sized. Sweet and slightly aromatic flavour. Very good scab and mildew resistance.
Also described as vigorous.
BackThese notes include information taken from publications © the East of England Apples and Orchards Project with permission.
The Team
The orchard project team, part of Filby in Bloom, comprises:
- Keith Johnson - Co-ordinator
- Joan Saul - Originator of the project
- Victor Tungate
- Ken Saul
- The Saturday Crew - helped with planting
Species List
We are compiling a list of the different species of flora and fauna seen at the site. As the orchard matures we hope it will provide a home for a wide range of native species.
The species list can be found at: species list
Filby Orchard Project Story
To follow the story of our orchard project as it unfolds go to: the story of our orchard
Filby Orchard Project Planting List
Show where each tree is and, in time, tell of its progress: planting list
