Monks hope for bumper apple crop

Last year’s early spring was too warm and proved a disaster for orchards, producing one of the worst apple crops in many years.

Apple trees bloomed early after temperatures soared only to be ruined when a cold snap hit later. That, and wet weather that stopped bees from leaving their hives, meant blossom was killed or left unpollinated.

Cameron Smith, orchard manager at Ampleforth, said that the prolonged wintry weather put apple blossom on hold, and with signs of rising temperatures, it could be a bumper harvest in late summer.

He said: “If we get the buds opening into blossom and some warmer weather for the bees to be active we will get the fruit we need.

“That will certainly be good for those who like our cider. Last year’s harvest was very low and we were fortunate that we had stocks left over from 2011.”

Ampleforth Abbey Orchards have more than 40 varieties of trees and all cider is produced at the abbey. It has won many awards.