AN ORCHARD dating back to the 14th century is being restored.

Reduced to a lonesome Bramley tree and a small row of plum trees, the orchard stands at the Cheshire Wildlife Trust headquarters at Bickley Hall Farm, Malpas.

Historic maps reveal an orchard has existed at the farm since the 1300s.

Now, determined to realise its dream of creating a demonstration farm that champions the cause of wildlife friendly farming, the trust is working towards creating an orchard that will feature ancient local varieties and provide sanctuary to those which have been rescued.

The trust intends the orchard will showcase a collection of traditional Cheshire fruit trees.

Varieties which people can sponsor include the Toadback pear propagated from a tree at Green Farm in Wrenbury which is over 100 years old.

The pear looks like a toad in the grass when fallen, which gave it its name.

Full story in Thursday’s Herald.