Future of first Bramley apple tree in doubt as cottage where it stands is sold
Campaigners had hoped to buy property from Nottingham Trent University to maintain public access
TL;DR
- The original Bramley apple tree, over 200 years old, is at risk after its garden was sold by Nottingham Trent University (NTU).
- Campaigners aiming to create a heritage site for the tree were surprised and disappointed by the sale.
- The tree was sown by Mary Ann Brailsford between 1809 and 1815 in Southwell, Nottinghamshire.
- Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall co-founded a campaign to buy the cottage and make the tree a heritage site.
- NTU sold the garden to the owners of a neighbouring cottage, Bramley Tree Cottage.
- The university stated they are supporting the new custodians with care advice and have ensured continued maintenance and public access.
- The Bramley apple is a popular cooking apple in the UK, with about 83,000 tonnes grown annually.