Why I'm Working With Copella

- by Chris Groves

I'm delighted to be working with Copella on the 2011 Plant & Protect campaign. Our country has a rich diversity of English apple varieties – many specific to their locality and most with a fascinating story behind an evocative name.

The food we eat has an impact on our surroundings. Apples are an integral part of the English landscape – both for humans and the wildlife that depends on them. But the fewer British-grown apples we eat, the greater the number of orchards and apple trees we're likely to lose.

And as the trees go, so too may disappear the knowledge, skills and customs that go hand in hand with apple cultivation.

With Copella's support, more trees will be planted, aiding the conservation of Britain's orchards. I'm thrilled to be able to lend my support to a campaign dedicated to raising awareness of and reigniting the country's love for English apple varieties.

BIOGRAPHY

As the son of a fifth generation nurseryman from Dorset, Chris Groves has horticulture in his blood. A love of fruit growing – first ignited by Dorset's strong cider and orchard heritage – grew whilst Groves studied for a Certificate in Practical Horticulture following his degree in Garden and Landscape Design. So when an opportunity to work in a National Trust orchard arose, Groves grabbed it with both hands.

Over the past four years, Orchard Officer Groves has worked tirelessly with the rest of the team at Cotehole, Cornwall, to establish the Mother Orchard. Every one of the 120 varieties and 300 trees in the collection has a tradition of being grown in the Tamar Valley by farmers and market gardeners .

The Mother Orchard has attracted a great deal of interest – both in English apples themselves and in the wildlife that lives among the trees. National Trust members have given their support to Groves's work via the Adopt an Apple Tree project , and the orchard has enjoyed a visit from HRH The Princess Royal and an appearance – in a cider-making feature – on the BBC's Edwardian Farm.

Groves's knowledge of local heritage varieties and his experience in their cultivation have earned him considerable respect within the fruit-growing community. Having the support of such a highly valued orchard expert is one of the great strengths of our Plant and Protect campaign, and we're thrilled to have him on board.