Ian Dipple 13 December, 04.27PM
THE FIRST steps in re-introducing a rare type of apple tree found only in Redditch were taken in Headless Cross on Saturday (December 11).
A group of fruit loving volunteers made the most of the milder weather to plant apple trees on Headless Cross Green and among them was the almost forgotten Doddin.
The Doddin apple tree is found only in Redditch and although actual numbers in existence are not known it is believed it could be less than 20. But with the help of residents, the Transition Redditch movement, The Doddin Preservation Society (DPS) and Walcot Organic Nursery in Drakes Broughton near Pershore, efforts are being made to revive the out of favour local variety by encouraging people to plant them in their gardens. Redditch Borough Council already has plans to plant some more Doddin trees this winter.
Neil Marsh, one of the residents behind the community orchard in Headless Cross, said: "Like many of my generation, I remember the Doddin. It’s a sweet little apple. We used to go scrumping for them in our neighbours’ gardens when we were kids. We used to eat them whole, core and all.
"I think it’s amazing that here I am now planting Doddin trees with my kids. It’s a big part of our Redditch heritage, there must be lots of people with interesting memories of the Doddin. It's great that we're bringing it back."
Redditch resident Pip Taylor, founder of the DPS, said during the Second World War Doddins were important as when sugar was rationed they were taken into cinemas as a popular alternative to popcorn.
"The Doddin apple is quite small, slightly larger than a golf ball and a little elongated. However, these trees produce heavy yields which are juicy and very sweet. They are smooth skinned apples, bright green and turn somewhat yellowish as they ripen.
"They are also a tree that tolerates wet and heavy clay soils, so they do well across Redditch."
To help increase the yield from the trees already planted, plans are underway in January to hold a traditional Wassail ceremony which involves singing and drinking to the health of the trees in the hope they thrive.
Alistair Waugh, who is involved in the Transition Redditch movement which aims to find local ways to tackle climate change and peak oil, said: "Every area of the country has its own distinctive fruit varieties.
"Many of these have grown out of favour because we no longer rely on that local supply of fruit. The range of fruit is shrinking all the time. As a result, our local varieties are rarely seen and tasted. I think it’s worth people growing them for the sake of heritage and to promote diversity in our orchards."
Doddin trees are available to order from Walcot Organic Nursery in different sizes to suit most gardens but must be planted before March.