Ancient fruit trees- we need your help

[Valeria]

Hi Everyone,

We have decided to try to save the ancient organic fruit trees for the future generation, and now we need to know your opinion. Would it be good for us, for our kids?

Who would like to know more about it, and have a unique tree in the garden?

[veggiechicken]

I think you need to tell me a bit more about it as I don't know what you mean.

[orangepippin]

The People's Trust for Endangered Species are already carrying out a major mapping exercise of traditional orchards. See traditional orchard survey | people's trust for endangered species| mtuk & ptes

They specifically register heritage trees, and also long-lived (or what they call "veteran" trees) because these very old trees are important for local biodiversity.

You can also register your own fruit trees on the tree register on our website, which lets you record seasonal growth, blossom dates, harvest yields and so on:
International register of fruit trees

[Valeria]

Hi,

I do my best to make my project succeed, but it would be great to get your help to make it more popular, to spread the words.

Please visit my website for more information, if you are interested in it at:

Sumeg Castle - Sumeg - Hungary | Valeria's Photography |

If you need any information just let me know, please.

Many thanks,

Valeria

[FB.]

So your website is seeking funding - somewhere around £3000?

I'm a grumpy, sceptical old man who wonders whether there's a scam going on - what with it being a new member of the forum, with only a few postings, linking to an overseas website asking for money.

Please prove me wrong by offering more information. A good start would be to show your depth of knowledge on the subject - tell us about some of the old varieties you've encountered.

[Valeria]

Hi FB,

I understand that in this world people are very sceptical especially when it comes to donating money or supporting a good cause. However I would like you to read the project first, before you make assumptions or ask someone to prove her knowledge. It is a little bit unfortunate that we live in such a world and it does make me wonder about tax, banks and various other things.

Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for all the other positive and helpful comments.

[orangepippin]

Hi FB,

I understand that in this world people are very sceptical especially when it comes to donating money or supporting a good cause. However I would like you to read the project first, before you make assumptions or ask someone to prove her knowledge.

He clearly has read the project - that is how he knows the costs.

Perhaps people would be less sceptical if your link went to the actual project website rather than your own photography one.

The main website also states:

Unfortunately, the collection and conservation of genetic resources is usually only limited to the popular varieties of very old fruit trees and the socio-economic implications of losing these rare fruit trees is rarely examined.

I don't think this is correct, at least not from my experience in the UK. I attended the Trumpington Community Orchard meeting back in May and was astonished at the number of community orchard projects on the go in that area (Cambridgeshire) and the enthusiasm to preserve all the weird and wonderful local varieties. A common theme was the need to identify and propagate rare local fruit trees before new housing developments wiped them out.

[Pineberry]

No need to become defensive about it, people should question more where their money would really go ( maybe we would have less scammers). So please do not be offended.

The project is sure an interesting and worthwhile cause, but why not start something similar in the UK - closer to home. Hungarians can take care about their own country where they live.

I would love to see this sort of thing here.

[FB.]

Hi FB,

I understand that in this world people are very sceptical....

Yes, I am always sceptical about everything - having a good knowledge and experience in "finance" gives me the opportunity to see just how clever some scams are.

I think it's more likely than not that your project is genuine, but have you given thought to the rootstocks you'll use?
Tell me which rootstocks you intend to use - and why?

[FB.]

No need to become defensive about it, people should question more where their money would really go ( maybe we would have less scammers). So please do not be offended.

The project is sure an interesting and worthwhile cause, but why not start something similar in the UK - closer to home. Hungarians can take care about their own country where they live.

I would love to see this sort of thing here.

I was thinking the same thing; growing them in Warwickshire.

A similar project in Warwickshire might get a lot more assistance. Trees from UK nurseries would also be more likely to be suitable for such a project. UK-grown trees might not be suitable for growing in Hungary, for a variety of reasons.