Mistletoe

The Southern Lake District once had many apple orchards. Over the last few decades a large proportion have been lost. The loss of the old apple trees resulted in the loss of the Mistletoe which grew on them.

Over the past few years Mrs. K. has been working to reestablish Mistletoe in the area. It took some time to find the right technique. But now it is growing well in our garden and in the two remaining orchards in the village.

A few years ago we were lucky enough to acquire a small area of ancient woodland and here you can see Mrs. K. this morning placing Mistletoe berries on an old Crab Apple tree in our wood.

You squash berries onto the bark and the seed sends a tiny rootlet into the tree. The process takes patience and it will probably be two years before the first tiny leaf appears, if you are lucky.

All in the name of biodiversity.