I am a filmmaker and am in the early stages of researching a film about the story of the English apple. In the film I want to follow a Kent apple orchard/farm through the seasons and weave into this the history of the apple and the myths, traditions and events associated with it. If anyone knows a working farm in Kent who could possibly make a good subject for the film I would really like to know. Ideally the farm should have a long history of growing and selling apples, grow ideally at least 100 varieties of English apple, be knowledgeable and aware of England’s great apple heritage and be opinionated about the current state of the industry and how difficult it can be to keep things going. If you don’t actually know a farm or orchard that fits this description but could point me in the right direction to finding out more that would be great.
Janette Scott
(Fruit Forum can pass any information on to Janette Scott)
How about Brogdale?
Perry Court at Wye, Kent?
In response to an articulate and photogenic fruit grower with oodles of knowledge Janette Scott should make contact with the Smith family at Loddington Farm, near Maidstone. 5th generation Bramley growers, and growers of innumerable new cultivars over the years, Alan Smith and his son, James, are knowledgeable about the past, present and future of their industry.
Try the England in Particular website for old orchards, lost orchards, community orchards etc.
SE Essex Organic Gardeners are holding an apple event during the weekend of 15/16 October 2011 and would be very interested to hear from Janette Scott as to whether she has yet made this film, because it sounds just what we’re looking for!
Perhaps moving to Essex you could check out Andrew Tann`s Crapes Fruit Farm (01206 212375),certainly has over 100 varieties, third generation grower.