The Sussex apple story begins far from South East England, in the remote mountains of central Asia. All of today’s varieties of orchard apples (Malus Domestica) are now known to be direct descendants of the wild apples (Malus sieversii) that still grow in vast diversity in the natural forests of Southern Kazakhstan, the Tien Shan…
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The art of fruit tree propagation
For at least 4,000 years people have been propagating the very best fruit varieties, selecting ones that taste good, crop well, are locally adapted, etc. The pip in an apple has been cross-pollinated with another type of apple. So if you plant an apple pip it won’t grow up to be like its parent, just…
More information ...The Wonderland that is Racehill Orchard
‘A mass of colour blooms in the Orchard despite the total lack of rain. All the stripeys are enjoying the ragwort (that’s Cinnabar moth caterpillars) and the place is thriving. See the abundance of broad-leaf everlasting peas, large ox-eye daisies and field scabious in the different sections. What a wonderland it is.’ Kirsty Sloman, Racehill Community…
More information ...Water and space heating from solar
Those of you who have watched my YouTube channel will be familiar with the way I like to try things rather than listen to the armchair theorists. So, I have been experimenting again, spending a bit of cash, and learning things new to me. This idea however is not new and is startlingly obvious, but…
More information ...Big new concessionary and volunteer discounts on courses
New discounts announced thanks to the Neil Smith bursary fund.
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