Branch Cider launches crowdfunder to save local apples

Branch Cider launches crowdfunder to save local apples

Posted on: 31 Oct 2022

Abbott’s Leigh’s Far Orchard is wasting away – but a local cidermaker is stepping in.

 

Far Orchard is the closest cider orchard to Central Bristol, planted in 1951 by Redvers Coates of Coates Cider. Coates was a major 20th Century cider brand – working often with the Long Ashton Research Station, responsible for many cidermaking innovations (and, incidentally, Ribena).

 

With that pedigree behind it, it’s no surprise that Far Orchard was intended to showcase the very best of Somerset-only apple varieties.

 

Now, all those apples are going to waste.

 

 

Thanks to national chains and apple production being exported around the country and even abroad, The National Trust say 81% of traditional orchards in England & Wales have been lost, and that the situation is worst in the South West. The last crop of the 15-acre Far Orchard went almost entirely to waste due to lack of local demand.

 

Enter, Ed Gibson & Branch.

 

Gibson, a longtime cidermaker and founder of Bristol cider boat-bar The Apple, was heartbroken when he discovered the state of affairs at Far Orchard and the other orchards like it – and decided to do something about it.

 

Branch is a zero-waste Bristolian cider company committed to championing local apples. Last year Gibson made some small batches of cider under the Branch name with apples from other local orchards, to highlight the varietal character of these local apples.

 

The ciders went on to win two Gold Medals at the 2022 British Cider Championships at the Royal Bath & West Show, and have since been sold at a handful of bars and taprooms in Bristol.

 

Gibson went on to commit to buying as many of Far Orchard’s apples as he could at its next harvest, saying: “We want to make great cider that gets Bristolians excited about these local apples…we want to take the passion and pride of Bristol’s cider drinkers and channel it into helping preserve our local orchards.”

 

 

Now, Branch are hosting a crowdfunder to help them save West Country apples. Supporters will be invited to special events where they will be among the first to enjoy ciders made with the apples from Far Orchard. A donation of £25, enough to pay for half a tree of apples, will get each supporter £25 worth of cider at these events.

 

“We’re asking Bristolians for their help.” said Gibson. “Chip in a few quid to help buy these apples and we’ll make some really tasty cider for you in return. It’s like a cider savings account, donate £25 towards the apples now and get £25 of cider later. Make a downpayment on some great local cider and help us secure the future of this wonderful Bristol orchard”.

 

You can find the crowdfunder here, and learn more about Branch here.


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Article by:

Patrick Bate

Patrick is a filmmaker with so much Bristol in his blood the white blood cells are graffiti'd. Educated at the Northern Film School in Leeds, he’s returned home to be a Videographer and Reviewer for 365Bristol and BARBI. When he’s not messing about with cameras, he enjoys playing guitar, spending far too much time on tabletop RPGs, and being an awful snob about cider. Have a look at his work here, or get in touch at patrickb@365bristol.com.