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Campaigners hope to save mother tree of bramley apple
TL;DR
Campaigners are trying to save the original bramley apple tree in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, which is for sale. This historic tree, planted in the early 19th century, is crucial to the lineage of all bramley apples and is at risk of falling into private hands.
Key points
- Campaigners launched an appeal to save the mother bramley apple tree
- The tree is located in Southwell, Nottinghamshire
- It is the ancestor of all bramley apples ever eaten
- The tree has no legal protection despite its historical significance
- Campaigners want to create a heritage centre for public access
Mentioned in this story
SouthwellMary Ann BrailsfordNottingham Trent UniversityDan Llywelyn Hall
bramley apple tree
Campaigners have launched an appeal to try to save for the nation the mother tree of perhaps the most popular cooking apple in the world.
The original bramley apple tree, which grows in the garden of a cottage in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, is for sale, with the cottage put on the market by its owners, Nottingham Trent University.
Every single bramley apple ever eaten can be traced back to the tree, which was planted from a pip by a young girl, Mary Ann Brailsford, in the early 19th century. It has been recognised as one of the 50 most important historic trees in Britain but has no legal protection.
Rather than have the 220-year-old tree fall into private hands with no public access, campaigners are seeking to raise money to buy the property and turn it into a heritage centre.
The artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, one of the founders of the campaign and who has depicted the mother tree in many of his paintings, said: “Saving this tree for the nation sends a much wider message about preserving our ancient heritage trees and appreciating them like any cultural asset.
The original bramley apple tree sits in the garden of the cottage, which belongs to Nottingham Trent University. Photograph: Robert Rathbone/The Woodland Trust
“If we can buy paintings for museums for gargantuan sums, why can’t we see these natural wonders as equals and give them due reverence, care and dignity. It would be a great travesty and a national embarrassment to lose this opportunity.”
The campaign, which is seeking to crowdfund £250,000 towards the purchase price of the cottage, is supported by the musician Cerys Matthews and Celia Stevens, the great granddaughter of Henry Merryweather, the horticulturist who first spotted the potential of the unique hybrid apple.
The apple was first sold by Merryweather in 1876, and was named after a later owner of the house and tree, Matthew Bramley.
Q&A
What is the significance of the mother bramley apple tree?
The mother bramley apple tree is significant as it is the ancestor of all bramley apples, tracing back to a tree planted in the early 19th century.
Why are campaigners trying to save the bramley apple tree?
Campaigners aim to save the tree to prevent it from falling into private hands and to establish a heritage centre for public access.
Where is the original bramley apple tree located?
The original bramley apple tree is located in the garden of a cottage in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
Who planted the original bramley apple tree?
The original bramley apple tree was planted by a young girl named Mary Ann Brailsford from a pip.
