An apple a day - 07/07/2010

Part of our ongoing Quality Badge series.

Give your pupils a tasty and educational day out, at this heritage fruit farm.

Brogdale Farm in Kent is home to the National Fruit Collections, the largest collection of fruit trees and plants in the world. There are over 2,200 different varieties of apple, 550 of pear, 350 of plum, 320 of cherry and smaller collections of bush, nuts and grapes grown in the 150 acres of orchards. The resources held at Brogdale Farm are a huge asset, and an inspiration for any of the schools able to visit.

From the amazingly ugly 'Knobby Russet' apple, to the ancient Decio variety which the Romans would have known, the collections at Brogdale Farm incorporate both traditional and newer fruit varieties. The farm has apples that taste like pineapples, bananas and melons - which visiting schools find fascinating. The farm has a good partnership with a number of local secondary schools and has developed some interesting collaborations with their photography and horticultural students.

Trying something new

Raising awareness in schools, and the wider community, about the diversity, traditions and culture associated with local fruit varieties is really important. Getting children and adults to try varieties they’re unfamiliar with, and really tasting the difference, is the first step towards changing the way we value the quality and diversity of our home-grown fruits.

Schools are welcome to visit Brogdale’s collections throughout the year. The farm welcomes all age groups and can tailor-make an education day for each school, including their individual and curriculum requirements. They welcome the opportunity to discuss specific teaching requirements and will endeavour to accommodate all school needs. Brogdale Farm is well equipped to host school visits, having adequate coach parking, two classrooms with adjoining toilets and hand washing facilities. Adjacent to the classrooms are farm shops, a cafe and a plant centre.