The family cider makers are committed to supporting communities by providing them with resources to create their own orchards.
Those benefiting could include residents associations reconnecting with nature, schools and colleges teaching their pupils about the origins of their food, or care homes creating peaceful havens for residents.
Now in its fifth year, the Thatchers’ Community Orchard Project is looking for 50 organisations doing great things in their neighbourhoods. Each group will receive 10 apple trees, enabling them to sow the seeds of their own community orchard.
Martin Thatcher said: “We believe that orchards are special places that have the power to give communities a place to come together, to learn, to share, to connect with nature and reflect on the world around them, all while contributing to biodiversity and creating new habitats for nature.
“It’s something my family and I are lucky enough to enjoy, and we want to share that with you. If you think you and your community could benefit from planting, growing and tending to a small orchard, why not apply?”
Martin continues: “The varieties have been selected specifically for easy growing and minimum upkeep, such as Bramley, Scrumptious, Dabinett and Katy. Groups could press the fruits into juice, or of course enjoy eating or cooking them. Everything you need including stakes, guards and ties to assist in planting will be provided.”
Down on the Thatchers family farm they are all ‘slightly obsessed perfectionists’ – making cider with nothing but love and, it is fair to say, they know a thing or two about orchards!
That’s why they don’t just grow 8 types of apple, they grow 458, and turning those juicy apples into a refreshing pint of cider is a craft they’ve spent 120 years and four generations perfecting. It’s their dedicated attention to detail that delivers the perfect pint of Thatchers, every time.
Every organisation selected will be given instructions on how to plant their 10 trees, care for them throughout the seasons, and a commemorative plaque.
Thatchers have been making cider at Myrtle Farm in Somerset for 120 years and four generations. Their expertise and passion for apples shine through in their ciders, which are genuine, flavourful, and uniquely characteristic.
They offer a variety of ciders, such as Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze, Thatchers Blood Orange and Thatchers Zero. Regardless of your choice, each cider is crafted with the same dedication, meticulous attention, and hands-on experience.
Applications open on December 26, 2024 and run until January 31, 2025.
