Dragon Orchard

by Ann Stanier

When Norman and I started Dragon Orchard in 2001 our original idea was a ‘Cropsharers’ scheme for which people would pay an annual subscription, visit the farm four times a year and help pick the fruit they would take home. This helped us develop a community of like-minded people who enjoyed each others' company and the various seasonal activities around the orchard.  

We also take our guests to visit other local producers and craftspeople. This kind of local network really helps small enterprises survive, and still retain their local individuality. When people visit, they stay in nearby B&B's and eat at local restaurants, so our linked community is able to support other rural businesses as well.


Since then we have widened the scheme to include 'Fruit sharing' and 'Sponsor a Tree'. More recently, we have made links with a local winemaker, who is producing cider in one of our sheds, and we have added cider and apple juice to our list of products. We also take interested groups on visits around the orchard including our Dragon Orchard Poetry Trail.