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Cornish Orchards (Westnorth Manor Farm, Duloe) has been part
of the Duchy of Cornwall estate since the early 1950's when it
was a 'traditional' mixed farm including an orchard growing
apples for eating and making cider. The latter half of the
last century saw radical changes in farming practice and by
the early 1990s the orchards had been grubbed out to make way
for grass production for cattle.
Over the last fifteen years a 'reviewed' style of farm
practice has been introduced - not only for the good of the
farm itself but also for the wildlife and environment. Working
with the Duchy, new woodland areas have been planted, hedges
have increased in height to provide shelter for wildlife and
windbreaks created to provide much needed protection. The farm
received a gold award under The Duke of Cornwall's Habitat
Award Scheme in 1996. Although Cornwall may not immediately be
recognised as a cider making area, like all rural areas, it
has long practised the art. The Cornish Orchards Project of
the 1990's helped with the restoration of old orchards or
advised on planting new ones with old varieties. Local
nurseries were commissioned to propagate over 60 varieties of
apple tree, all traditionally grown in Cornwall. This was an
ideal opportunity for the orchards on the farm to be replanted
and Cornish Orchards now makes 9 apple juices and 5 different
ciders.
www.cornishorchards.co.uk
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