A GREAT part of the heritage of Tenbury and the Teme Valley is on the verge of extinction.

But all may not be lost as a group from the area is committed to saving rare species of apples that are on the verge of extinction.

The move by the Tenbury Apple Group comes as the big annual celebration of the fruit that will bring thousands of people into the town approaches.

While for many people there are just a few species of apples that they are familiar with from shopping in supermarkets, there are in fact hundreds of varieties many of which were special to the orchards of Tenbury and the surrounding area.

The Teme Valley Apple Group are on the lookout for information on the rare apples of the area. Once renowned for its orchards, several varieties originated in the valley.

However, some have almost disappeared and little is known about their origin.

“It would be a real shame if part of our local heritage disappeared altogether. If any readers can shed any light on these forgotten fruits, the Teme Valley Apple Group would be delighted to hear from them,” said Wade Muddleton of the Teme Valley Apple Group.

There are a number of species that the group is particularly interested in and one of these is the rare Jones Seedling that was quite well known until about 70 years ago.

This is an early-season eating apple with a skin of red streaks over a yellow-pale green skin. The apples seem to be of varying shapes and sizes on the same tree and it appears to have fallen from favour after World War Two.

There is anecdotal evidence of it being grown in several orchards in the area in the 1930s but, beyond this, there are seemingly no other references.

The Hewdulip Seedling is a bright green cooking apple that is thought to have originated in the Rochford or Eastham area and was sent to the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale in Kent where it remains but the Teme Valley Apple Group is not aware of any surviving local examples.

Very different is the Haughty’s Red which is a red eating apple that is also believed to have come from the Eastham area but now seems to have completely disappeared and can only be seen at the National Fruit Collection.

The Tenbury Apple Fest is one of the signature events of Tenbury and will be held on The Burgage on Saturday, October 3 between 10am and 5pm.

There will be a display of more than 250 different varieties of apples provided by Frank P Matthews as well as many trade stands and demonstrations.

Competitions include apple pie and cider making and there will be many trade stands as well as entertainment including music, dancing and vintage cars.

If anyone readers can shed any light on the forgotten fruits the Teme Valley apple group they can either contact Alec Wall, the secretary, on 01584 810 479 or email contact@worcestershireorchards.co.uk