Merton Apples Growing On Wimbledon Hill

---

Trees planted in environmental scheme

Trees which will bear Merton apples have been planted in Wimbledon Hill as part of an environmental initiative.

The Merton Russet and Merton Knave apples were developed in 1950 and 1975 respectively at the old John Innes Institute in Merton Park.

They were selected for Wimbledon Hill by the National Trust at Morden Hall Park as an initiative involving Merton Borough Council and Transition Town Wimbledon (TTW). The trees are sponsored by local residents and Riverford Organic Vegetables.

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: "This is a great example of the community, local business and the council working together on an initiative to benefit the borough’s appearance. It is marvellous that these apples are Merton varieties, and I look forward to seeing them flourish over the coming years. A thank you must go to Transition Town Wimbledon for leading the initiative for the benefit of the community.”

Transition Town Wimbledon's John White said: "We hope these apple trees will be a reminder that we won’t always be able to rely on cheap imported food.  We can't all have allotments, but let’s make the best use of the spaces we have around the borough."

TTW, which aims to raise awareness of sustainable life in Wimbledon, is staging a Green Coffee morning on Tuesday (December 7). Click here for more information.

December 6, 2010