Welsh orchard to grow world's rarest apple

17:15 13th August 2010

A Welsh orchard is set to grow what is thought to be the world's rarest apple variety as part of a new project to resurrect some of the country's old favourites.

The Bardsey was discovered growing on a single tree on a Welsh island ten years ago, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) reported.

It is to be grown in a one-acre orchard containing 86 trees in the village of Knucklas as part of the Knucklas Castle Community Land Project.

The scheme is being funded by a grant through Powys Environmental Partnerships and follows the foundation of a community allotment.

As well as the Bardsey, the horticulturalists will grow Sheep's Snout, the Perthyre Welsh cider apple and a number of other varieties.

Mulberries, medlars, quince and other fruits will also be grown at the site.

"We chose Welsh varieties because the fruit that's grown up here is likely to do best here," founding member Andy Kenyon-Wade told the RHS.

Meanwhile, the RHS has reported that housing estates in London are going head to head in the capital's first community gardens competition.