gill orchard
The orchard in its heyday was still a working business, run by the Whittome family at Field House. The orchard extended both sides of Furners Lane and had a large variety of English apple varieties which could be bought from large wooden bins in their farm shop. Much of the area around Furners Lane was originally orchard planting. Apple Howling - blessing the apples - took place here annually on a January night - music, chanting, ritual and hot cider...
COUNTRY VIEWS 1
Gill Orchard 1: A photo from its last years - about 1999.
Gill Orchard 2: Around 2007. The whole Gill Orchard estate was sold a few years ago, the farm shop turned into a modern, gated house - and the orchard left to look as it is now. What will happen to it? Will it turn into wilderness again - not a totally unhappy option - or is it being saved for yet more housing development...
COUNTRY VIEWS 13
Gill Orchard 1-5: Photos from early May 2016. The best that can be said of the old orchard today is that it is probably a haven for all sorts of wildlife.
COUNTRY VIEWS 1
Gill Orchard 1: A photo from its last years - about 1999.
Gill Orchard 2: Around 2007. The whole Gill Orchard estate was sold a few years ago, the farm shop turned into a modern, gated house - and the orchard left to look as it is now. What will happen to it? Will it turn into wilderness again - not a totally unhappy option - or is it being saved for yet more housing development...
COUNTRY VIEWS 13
Gill Orchard 1-5: Photos from early May 2016. The best that can be said of the old orchard today is that it is probably a haven for all sorts of wildlife.