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Hawkridge

Hawkridge apple

History of the Hawkridge apple

Robert Hogg wrote that Hawkridge “is a very popular apple in East Sussex especially around Hailsham, Heathfield and those parts where it is met with in almost every orchard and garden” (Hogg 1851). The origin is Hawkridge Farm, Hellingly, near Hailsham.

It is currently cultivated as part of Brighton Permaculture Trust’s National Collection in Stanmer Park, Brighton. You can see a Hawkridge apple tree (planted 2009) in Home Farm Orchard, Stanmer Park ( map).

Description of fruit

Hawkridge is a medium sized apple. The shape is intermediate to flat, retangular to convex, prominent ribs on body and at eye. The skin is golden yellow with pale red stripes, flushed a dark bright crimson with darker stripes. The flavour is sweet and sometimes described as balsamic.

Season of use

An early September apple, it can be stored until October.

Tree habit

The Hawkridge is a vigorous upright tree

Flowering and pollination

Flowering day: F12

How to identify your apple tree

The National Fruit Collection at Brogdale and the RHS both have fruit identification services.

You can have a go at identifying the fruit yourself using the Fruit ID website.

In Autumn, Apple Day events around the UK sometimes have an expert on hand to identify apples. You’ll need to bring three or more ripe fruits and a shoot with representative leaves.

Where to buy a Sussex apple tree

At Brighton Permaculture Trust we believe it is essential to preserve the diversity of apple varieties around the world.  Some of the Sussex varieties were nearly extinct a few decades ago, but we are promoting them and planting them whenever we can. Many delicious Sussex varieties are still rarely grown.

You can find fruit tree nurseries that stock some of the Sussex varieties, and some nurseries will graft you a tree if they don’t keep that variety in stock. To find suppliers, please try the Tree Nursery Directoryand The Orchard Network’s Sussex Directory.

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