A Unique Environment » The Orchard At Kelling Heath

The Orchard at Kelling Heath

A traditional orchard inspired by records dating back to 1290 has been created at Kelling Heath Holiday Park. The orchard consisting of 30 trees of 10 varieties of Norfolk apple and pear was opened on Tuesday 21st March 2006 by top British landscape designer Peter Eustance (Symphonic Gardens) - the man behind the renovation of Sir Isaac Newton’s garden and orchard in Lincolnshire, and teacher Judy Tree with three of her pupils from Colby Primary School.

The orchard is the brainchild of Jason Kidman, Kelling Heath’s countryside manager and tree expert who worked closely with the East of England Apples and Orchard Project. Jason researched the most appropriate Norfolk apple varieties, and took inspiration from medieval records to develop the layout and location of the new orchard.  

Traditional orchards have a real historical connection with Norfolk and were mentioned in the Doomsday Book, records show that annual rents in Norfolk were often paid in apples and cider.

Peter Eustance has spearheaded the renovation of a similar orchard in the grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle near Bourne in Lincolnshire, and is full of praise for the orchard at Kelling Heath,

“A good design layout and structure is very important, and will create focal points and features, textures and patterns - it will be stimulating, absorbing and restful, and of course a real haven for wildlife. I look forward to revisiting in the future as the fruit ripens. Design is always important to me but like to explore the more profound details and I love the tranquillity of this space. The Kelling Heath countryside team have created something unique and historic – a fantastic orchard, in a beautiful setting that I am sure future generations will enjoy.”

The introduction of the orchard introduces a further rare habitat amidst the already unique setting of Kelling Heath enhancing further the visitor experience and in the process creating  a living piece of history, a haven for wildlife and somewhere peaceful for visitors to sit and enjoy the beauty of the Norfolk countryside.

KELLING HEATH ORCHARD - Fruit Varieties Fact Sheet   Five Crowned Pippin 1500s Pick mid Oct. Use Nov-Feb Also often called London Pippin. Origin confused. Prominently ribbed body. A medium sized green apple with no russet. A long keeper. Quite acidic but can be quite nutty. Keeps its shape when cooked.    Golden Noble 1820 Pick early Oct. Use Oct-Dec Discovered growing as a chance seedling in an orchard near Downham Market by the Head Gardener of Stow Bardolph Hall. A medium sized, golden yellow long keeping apple. A Victorian favourite and has always been a popular garden apple. Cooks to a slightly acidic puree.    Norfolk Royal Russet 1983 Pick early Sept. Use Oct-Jan A russeted 'sport' of Norfolk Royal, discovered growing in a garden at Burnham Overy Staithe. A typical 'nutty tasting' russet, it has become a popular local gardeners' choice and is now grown by several farm shops in Norfolk.   Admiral 1921 Pick early Oct. Use Nov-Dec Propagated at Upton from pips brought back from Japan. Once grown commercially on a small scale in the Broads. Medium to large in size, mostly green in colour sometimes with an orange flush. Firm and sweet flesh.   Green Roland  pre 1945 Pick late Sept.  Use Oct-Nov Probably arose in East Norfolk in the 1800s. Known locally as Norfolk Green Queen. Medium to large in size. Dull green coloured skin occasionally with a pinkish brown flush. Cooks to a firm puree needing little sugar.    Adam's Pearmain 1826   Pick early Oct. Use Nov-Mar Either arose in Norfolk or Herefordshire (where called Hanging Pearmain). Considered an essential fruit for Victorian and Edwardian gardens. A medium sized pearmain shaped apple with a bright orange red flush and russet. Complex nutty, aromatic, sweet flavour.    New Costessey Seedling – We can’t find any information on this one, can you help please!!    Robin pre 1900 Pick late Sept.  Use Sept-Oct Origin unknown but once a common sight on markets across the county. A small red flushed dessert pear best eaten very soon after picking.   Hacon's Incomparable 1792 Pick mid Oct. Use Oct-Nov Arose from a seedling growing in a baker's yard at Downham Market. A handsome mid green coloured medium sized pear that keeps its shape when cooked. Sweet flavoured.   Blickling 1898   Pick mid Oct. Use Nov-Feb Arose at Blickling Hall gardens, near Aylsham. A medium sized mid green coloured pear which is best stored and cooked at or after Christmas. Firm fleshed.  Information supplied by East of England Apples & Orchards Project