At the National Trust's Cotehele, in the heart of the Tamar Valley that was once famous for its apple, cherry, plum and pear orchards, the "Mother Orchard" has been planted with local fruit trees from the collection of James Evans and Mary Martin who have spent 30 years researching and rescuing local fruit varieties. Full details of this project can be found on www.nationaltrust.org.uk and search for "Mother Orchard".

Also at Cotehele, the mighty 19th century cider press and horse-driven apple mill, which used to live at Cotehele Mill, have been restored and relocated in a new building within the Mother Orchard. They are being used to make cider for the first time in decades, with long straw being used to make the traditional "cheese".

More than 60% of England's traditional orchards have been lost since the 1950s to development, changing land use, and competition from commercial growers. With the loss of old orchards has gone the distinctiveness of local fruit varieties, knowledge of local recipes, diversity in wildlife and a loss to the landscape. A traditional orchard is defined as having five or more fruit trees, so you may have enough room in your garden to plant one!