Community Orchard

Initiated June 2026

This summer, we gave away free apple trees to neighbours across Navan and in return, we got a small, sweet, growing orchard scattered across back gardens all over town. Here's the story, and what's now growing because of it.

A very simple offer

Following on from our Apple Tree Mapping project, we teamed up with Meath County Council and the Heritage Council to make neighbours an offer:

Team up with someone next door, and we'll give you both a free apple tree.

It worked because it was simple: two neighbouring households applied together, each got a potted tree, and in return we asked for just three things: an eircode for our planting map, a photo of the tree going in, and (next year) a photo of the fruit.

No fuss, no forms longer than a WhatsApp message.

Project supported and funded by the Heritage Council and Meath County Council.

The Result

Greener gardens, better-pollinated streets, and homegrown apples on the way for years to come.

The Trees We Planted

We gave out potted trees as it is the best option during summer. Next time round, if we're able to source native Irish heritage stock, we'll do it bare-root in late winter or early spring, which is when apple trees really prefer to be moved.

So what does your new tree actually taste like?

Here's the fun part. Every variety we planted has its own personality â€” and knowing yours means you'll know exactly what to expect when the first apples arrive.

1. Sweet & Honey

These apples are low in acidity, with sugary, warm, and rich flavors.

Beauty of Bath: Sweet and juicy with distinct strawberry notes. (Group 2)
Laxton's Superb: A very rich, Cox-style, honeyed and aromatic flavor. (Group 4)

2. Fresh & Balanced

These apples provide a traditional "apple" taste, balancing pleasant sweetness with mild crispness.

Idared: Crisp, aromatic, and well-balanced. (Starts sweet-sharp, mellows in storage.) (Group 2)
Lord Lambourne: A reliable, balanced apple. Sweet with a consistent aromatic quality. (Group 2)
Discovery: Sweet and crisp with a distinct, pleasant strawberry/raspberry undertone. (Group 3)

3. Sweet-Sharp & Tangy

A very popular modern taste profile: crisp, crunchy fruit with a noticeable "tang" that follows the sweet start.

Katja: Juicy with a definitive sweet-sharp, lively kick. (Group 3)
Elstar: A high-quality sweet-sharp apple. Aromatic, zesty, and rich. (Group 3)
Rosette: Crisp with a sweet-sharp taste, notable for its unique berry-like notes (and pink-flushed flesh). (Group 2)

4. Rich & Nutty

These apples possess rich, deep flavors, often associated with traditional heritage varieties.

Egremont Russet: The quintessence of this profile. Nutty, sweet, with a drier, distinct texture and hint of spice. (Group 2)

5. Sharp Cookers

Primary cooking apples. They have high acid levels that break down into complex flavors when cooked.

Grenadier: Critically a very sharp cooker. It is classic for breaking down into a perfectly smooth, white, fluffy puree. (Group 3)
Howgate Wonder: Mildly flavorful for a cooker (low sharpness). Noted for keeping its shape when cooked and excellent storability. (Group 3)

6. Good for Eating, Juicing, and Cooking!

These apples offer a robust enough texture and acidity to cook well, but are pleasant to eat fresh, depending on personal preference.

Charles Ross: Mildly sweet with light acidity. It keeps its shape excellently for baking but is crisp enough for eating. (Group 3)
Braeburn: A standard for duality. Crisp, aromatic, and sweet-sharp. It works well in tarts but is primarily an eating apple. (Group 4)
Jonagold: A favorite dual-purpose fruit. Very sweet, aromatic, and honeyed. It can be eaten fresh, juiced, or used in sauces. (Group 3 - Triploid)

Why your tree needs a neighbour

Here's the thing nobody tells you when you plant an apple tree: most varieties can't produce a proper crop entirely on their own. They need a pollination partner another apple tree blooming nearby at the same time so bees can carry pollen between them. It's a big part of why we gave trees to *pairs* of neighbours rather than one household at a time.

Can crop alone, but do better with a partner: Braeburn, Charles Ross, Egremont Russet, Howgate Wonder, Laxton's Superb, Lord Lambourne
Need a partner to crop at all:Beauty of Bath, Discovery, Elstar, Grenadier, Idared, Katja, Rosette
Need two different partner trees: Jonagold

If that sounds complicated, don't worry the short version is: the more neighbours with apple trees nearby, the better everyone's harvest.

Getting them in the ground

Planted well, these trees will settle in fast and with the right neighbour nearby, the apples won't be far behind.

Already have an apple tree?

Whether you got yours through this scheme or you've had one in the garden for years, help us build the full picture of Navan's apple trees and find out if your tree already has a pollination partner nearby.

Add your tree to the Apple Tree Map

Apple Tree Map

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse