The future of the original Bramley apple tree, a horticultural landmark in the village of Southwell, Nottinghamshire, is uncertain following the decision by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to put the property on which it stands up for sale. The tree, grown from a pip planted between 1809 and 1815 by Mary Ann Brailsford, is the progenitor of the iconic British cooking apple.
NTU acquired Bramley Cottages in and renovated the site to provide student accommodation for its Brackenhurst campus. However, the university has determined that the cottages are “not as suitable as other NTU-owned accommodation” due to their age and configuration, leading to the listing for £400,000 with Gascoines estate agents.
The sale has sparked concern among those dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Bramley apple. Dan Llywelyn-Hall, founder of the Mother Bramley Fund, a group focused on protecting and propagating the original tree, expressed his worries. “We just want the new owners to understand they are about to be the custodian of a tree which is of great significance to our country and we are very much willing to work with them,” Llywelyn-Hall said. “But, my biggest worry is that they might not be sympathetic to that.”
The Bramley’s journey from a chance seedling to a national favorite is a story rooted in local horticulture. Approximately 50 years after Brailsford planted the pip, gardener Henry Merryweather encountered the fruit while working in the garden, then owned by Matthew Bramley. Recognizing its unique qualities, Merryweather obtained permission to propagate the apple through cuttings, and the ‘Bramley Sappling’ quickly gained recognition. Today, the Bramley apple is a staple in British kitchens.
Adding to the urgency is the tree’s current health. NTU has been actively managing the tree since , undertaking extensive upkeep due to a diagnosis of incurable honey fungus. Honey fungus (Armillaria species) is a widespread and destructive plant pathogen that attacks the roots of trees, causing decay and ultimately leading to decline and death. Managing a tree with this condition requires specialized knowledge and ongoing intervention.
The Mother Bramley Fund has already taken steps to safeguard the Bramley’s genetic lineage, planting five saplings directly from the original tree at prominent locations across the UK. Llywelyn-Hall described the fund’s ongoing efforts, stating, “We are still dedicated to giving the original Mother tree a dignified long goodbye. Hopes to improve the site from its squalid setting by planting a garden, improving access and tree surgery intervention is still our dream to see the world’s most famous apple gracefully decline.” This suggests a pragmatic acceptance of the tree’s eventual decline, coupled with a desire to ensure its legacy continues through these propagated saplings.
NTU has attempted to allay concerns, stating its commitment to ensuring the tree remains under responsible care. A university spokesperson added that NTU “aims to also support [the new owners] with guidance on how to care for the tree moving forward.” However, this assurance may not be enough for those who believe the tree requires a dedicated custodian with a long-term commitment to its preservation.
Roger Merryweather, the great-grandson of Henry Merryweather, emphasized the tree’s unique origins. “This is a chance seedling,” he said. “A one million to one chance of something like this happening and it’s incredible that it’s still alive.” This highlights the extraordinary luck involved in the Bramley’s creation and the importance of protecting such a rare and valuable genetic resource.
The situation underscores the challenges of balancing property development with the preservation of natural and historical heritage. While NTU’s decision to sell the cottages is understandable from a logistical standpoint, the fate of the Bramley apple tree serves as a reminder of the cultural and horticultural significance embedded within seemingly ordinary landscapes. The hope now rests with finding a buyer who recognizes the responsibility that comes with owning a piece of British history and is willing to prioritize the long-term wellbeing of this iconic tree.
Recent activity related to the Bramley apple includes the planting of a young sapling at Gravetye Manor, a renowned garden in West Sussex, marking 170 years since the first cutting was taken from the original tree. This planting, carried out on , is seen as a symbolic gesture, ensuring the Bramley’s legacy continues even as the future of the original tree remains uncertain.
