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| 2013 Sketch Map of the fruit trees at orchard |
In 2013 a formal survey of Donkey Lane Community Orchard by Derek Tolman of Bernwode Fruit Trees, identified 20 apple trees and a single plum tree. These were marked on a sketch map of the site and scion wood was collected to propagate new trees. This was done in an attempt to protect the genetic lineage of the traditional varieties growing on site.
Experts later confirmed that the plum was unique and named it the Chinnor plum.
Move on to early 2019 when we started work clearing the orchard. It was apparent that the overall site was much more overgrown than it was in 2013 and it was difficult to confirm whether all of the trees on the sketch map still existed.
As our clearing of the decades of rubbish, brambles and ivy progressed we discovered not one but two plum trees. They were in a pretty sorry state and the trunks needed support. Once the trees were exposed to the light, we were delighted to see extensive white blossom and much to our surprise similar blossom on a tree a short distance away. Following the line of the trees already found and knowing that plums tend to spread by sending out suckers we were able to find another two juvenile examples. So, in one season our stock of the Chinnor plum had multiplied from one to five.
So, what is the Chinnor plum? It is a yellowy, purply plum and is delicious as a dessert fruit albeit a little tart or it can be used for culinary purposes. Its origin is surrounded in mystery. It is likely to have been planted in the garden of one of the cottages found within the current orchard. The variety and parentage are currently unknown. Chinnor had extensive fruit orchards during the 19th and early 20th century and the Chinnor plum may be the last surviving descendant of one of the fruits grown locally. As far as we are aware, this is the only place in the country where the Chinnor plum grows wild. Might there be one in your garden? As the country opens up fully after the recent pandemic, we will again attempt to ascertain its origin as well as the remaining unidentified apples.
So apart from just eating them fresh, what else can you do with plums? Well, like apples they have many uses: they can be made into jam, they can be caramelised with some butter and honey – delicious with ice cream, you can grill them, they can be added to sauces or why not make your own plum sauce, they can be poached in spiced red wine, they can be chopped and added to cake batter – makes the cake lovely and moist, or just a quick and simple plum crumble. What could be better than a fresh plum crumble served with a good dollop of custard or cream.
If you are interested in growing your own specimen then Bernwode Fruit Trees based near Ludgershall have a stock grown using scion wood rescued from the orchard.
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| © Keith Webley 2020 |
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| The Chinnor Plum |
Our working parties have finally restarted and you will be made welcome to see the Chinnor plums and hopefully be able to taste a couple.
Next time we will be telling you about the amazing apple varieties we have identified at the orchard.
Alan & Linda Brawn July 2021
If you are interested in knowing more or you have further information or photographs to add to the ‘Story’, we would love you to contact us either by email greeningchinnor@gmail.com or phone Carol Stewart on 07764 452777. A fuller and more detailed copy of this article as well as previous articles can be found via the ‘Project’ tab on our website at www.greeningchinnor.blogspot.com.
For more photos of the Orchard, check our Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/people/184526651@N05/
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