Downloaded to my Apple Mac of course.

There is a history of Orchards in the Arnside and Silverdale AONB. A land transfer in 1609 in the parish of Beetham includes reference to ten orchards.

In 2006 the AONB office published an attractive book on the Orchards of the area. This has maps showing the many orchards in the area but sadly sets out how many of them have declined in the past century.

Knottman is fortunate in that a couple of hundred yards from his house is one of the best remaining examples with over 130 apple trees. It is here that a regular Apple Day is held in October. This brings together many groups in our community. There are tours of the orchards, sales of local apple juice and identification of your own apple varieties by experts.

The tree in the picture is not in Knottman's garden, although there are a few there. But this one is just over the road and is a prolific producer.

"What wondrous life is this I lead!
Ripe apples drop about my head;

Andrew Marvell 1621 - 78