Book Review
Title. Orchard- A Year in England’s Eden
Authors. Benedict Macdonald & Nicholas Gates
Publisher. William Collins
Orchard sits comfortably within the confines of knowing what we have and with the ability to cherish. It is strongly connected to the process of evolution and survival. Cornerstones, as commented upon in my previous blog, speaks of the hierarchy of wildlife and how everything should fit in and ensure the survival of species. Both books I found to be compelling.
Orchard differs because it tells us that lying at the foot of The Malvern there is an oasis, an Eden, where beauty is to be found. Strikingly, this orchard of apple and pears can look forlorn as age takes a toll on trees planted only as long ago as the 1930’s. Nature itself, seasons, the weight of their own fruit and the abundance of mistletoe are important factors here. But that is all part of a survival for species that live, visit to feed, nest and reproduce here. Old wood, new wood, trees with crevices and so on. The orchard was never a tidy place and I loved the orchards of my childhood. They were home to many bird species.
I have considered before that apple trees can grow old but only up to a point. I was mistaken. The caretakers of this Eden take cuttings for grafting as these fruit species need that to be done to carry on fruiting the same type of apples. An example where human skills, knowledge and dexterity are essential and for the well-being of the orchard.
A book that gives knowledge and explains where our orchards really came from and how they have evolved in England. This book is about trees and, just as importantly about the birds, mammals, insects and the owners that keep it all going.
The two authors deal with each month alternately and separately thus giving an individual flavour for each month and dealing with the seasons where change is happening. I liked it that way and much the same as in Cockshutt Wood by John Lewis-Semple.
A book that enchants.
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