The fate of one of the world’s most iconic apple trees hangs in the balance as the site housing the original Bramley apple tree has been placed on the market. This historic tree, celebrated for producing a beloved cooking apple, is currently situated in the garden of a row of cottages in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, which have been under the ownership of Nottingham Trent University since 2018. The university has stated that the decision to sell stems from the age and configuration of the cottages, rendering them unsuitable for student accommodation.
Concerns for the Iconic Tree
Celia Steven, the great-granddaughter of Henry Merryweather—who played a pivotal role in popularising the Bramley apple—has expressed her deep concern regarding the tree’s future. Speaking at the site, the 85-year-old stated, “It’s a very famous tree. It’s a very well-loved tree and it means a lot. Sadly, people are a bit prone to cut down trees and think about it later, so I find it very disturbing.”
The Bramley apple tree, more than 220 years old, was originally grown from a seed planted by Mary Anne Brailsford between 1809 and 1815. Its culinary potential was discovered nearly five decades later by Henry Merryweather in the garden of Matthew Bramley. Merryweather was granted permission to propagate the tree, provided the apples sold bore the Bramley name. Celia Steven noted her great-grandfather’s belief in the apple, stating, “He commercialised it, he marketed it, he promoted it… he called it the ‘King of Covent Garden’.”
Historic Recognition, Yet No Legal Protection
Despite its historical significance, the tree has never been accorded a tree preservation order, which would legally safeguard it from potential destruction. Nonetheless, it has received recognition from the royal family; in 2002, it was featured in a list of 50 “great British trees” during the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and later acknowledged as part of a collection of 70 ancient trees dedicated to the Queen for her Platinum Jubilee.
Steven lamented the lack of protection for such ancient trees in the UK, asserting, “Our ancient trees are not protected in the way they should be. They’re not revered in the way they should be. They’re very special to this country, and when we have such things, we do need to look after them and protect them for the future.”
The Call to Action
Dan Llywelyn Hall, an artist and founder of the Mother Bramley Legacy Fund, has joined forces with the Merryweather family in a campaign to raise £400,000 to purchase the site. He described the tree as being “in a state of neglect” since the university acquired the cottages. Despite facing challenges, including a diagnosis of incurable honey fungus, the tree continues to thrive and produce apples.
“It can’t be understated; it’s the most important, most famous apple tree in the world,” Hall remarked. “It’s produced a million-in-one apple which is highly regarded in the culinary world. The fact we have the original still alive is quite an extraordinary thing.” He further emphasised the need for a broader discussion on the preservation of heritage trees in the UK, stating, “It’s appalling.”
Nottingham Trent University’s Position
A spokesperson for Nottingham Trent University defended its stewardship of the Bramley apple tree, stating, “NTU is proud to have been the latest custodian of the Bramley apple tree and to have played a part in helping to safeguard and celebrate its legacy.” The university claimed to have maintained the tree with care and expertise, providing access to the public for events like the Bramley Apple Festival and Heritage Open Days.
The spokesperson added that an independent tree specialist had praised the university’s efforts to care for the tree, and they are committed to ensuring it remains in the hands of a responsible custodian after the sale.
Why it Matters
The potential sale of the site housing the original Bramley apple tree raises significant concerns about the preservation of not just this iconic tree, but similar heritage trees across the United Kingdom. As public awareness grows regarding environmental conservation, the fate of such historic natural assets must not be overlooked. The Bramley apple tree is not merely a botanical treasure; it embodies a rich cultural legacy that connects generations. Protecting it would ensure that future generations can continue to appreciate and learn from this vital part of Britain’s agricultural heritage.
