Thatchers Cider has undertaken a significant effort to establish a new orchard near Bristol, effectively securing the future supply of cider in the West Country into the 2030s. Over three years, the company’s workers prepared approximately ten acres of farmland near its base in the village of Sandford, North Somerset, ensuring the future of cider production.
The three-year soil restoration project laid the groundwork for a large-scale planting operation, involving meticulous hand-planting of 30,000 new trees from a tractor trailer into pre-dug holes. This week-long planting effort is being supported by Broadchurch actor Joe Sims, in addition to the introduction of a new beehive housing thousands of bees to aid in pollination, as reported by BristolLive.
The new orchard will feature two varieties of cider apple trees, including the popular Red Windsor and the renowned Katy variety, which is used in the production of Thatchers' sweetest ciders. The trees will mature over the next three years, eventually contributing to the creation of delicious cider for consumers to enjoy. This initiative not only benefits British farming but also supports the environment by providing a habitat for various wildlife and aiding in CO2 sequestration.