Westnorth Manor Farm has been part of the Duchy of Cornwall estate since the early 1950's. As with most other farms in the country at that time it had the 'traditional' mix of pigs, chickens and cows with crops of corn and potatoes and an orchard growing apples for eating and making cider. The latter half of the last century saw radical changes in farming practice and Westnorth was no exception. By the early 1990s over 100 head of cattle grazed the 260 acres, with the orchard grubbed out to make way for grass production.

Over the last fifteen years a 'reviewed' style of farm practice has been introduced - not only for the good of the farm itself but also for the wildlife and environment. Working with the Duchy, new woodland areas have been planted, hedges have increased in height to provide shelter for wildlife and windbreaks created to provide much needed protection. Areas of non-intensive cultivation are only periodically grazed, allowing wild flowers to establish themselves to benefit butterflies, insects, animals and birds.  The farm received a gold award under The Duke of Cornwall's Habitat Award Scheme in 1996.

Cider making and farming go hand in hand. It had been common practice for centuries for farmers to give up a small field close to the buildings to plant with cider, dessert and cooking apples. The fruit was used in the house and to make the cider that fuelled (and in part paid for) the labour force. The best trees were often singled out to produce the farmer's own cider - a better quality product than was served in the fields. Any surplus was sold providing welcome additional income for the farmer.

Cornwall may not immediately be recognised as a cider making area but, like all rural areas, it has long practised the art. The county once boasted extensive orchards however these had reduced to small or isolated pockets of trees hidden away, often neglected, unproductive and unprofitable. The Cornish Orchards Project of the 1990's helped with the restoration of old orchards or advised on planting new ones with old varieties. Local nurseries were commissioned to propagate over 60 varieties of apple tree, all traditionally grown in Cornwall. This was an ideal opportunity for the orchards on the farm to be replanted. 

In 1993, over 200 trees were planted next to the farm house in Keepscombe. The following year another field (Church Park) was set aside for further planting, then another one (Above Lane). Now we have over 15 acres of the farm planted up with 1,300 trees at different stages of maturity and production.

The first sizeable crop came in 1999. It was wonderful to see hard work bearing fruit but it brought its own set of problems.  You can only eat so much apple pie and even eating 'an apple a day' was not going to use up the crop.  Apart from feeding it to the cows, some use needed to be found for it.

Cider and apple juice were the obvious choices. And across the county thousands of trees that had been planted under the same scheme were also bearing fruit. Before long, from the backs of Land Rovers and Estate cars, horse boxes and farm trailers in rolled Ellison's Orange, Beauty of Bath, Cornish Longstem, Tommy Knight and Colloggett Pippin. Fresh picked under ripe fruit gave a sharp, clean juice. Apples that were ripe or over ripe produced a smoother, more mellow result. 

To our delight the juice kept the characteristics of the original apples that were pressed and blended.  However, many of the old Cornish varieties of apple are dual purpose, but the bitter sharp characteristics of cider apples can overshadow the traits of the individual or carefully blended and balanced combinations of juice.  So after apple juice, we moved onto cider and now we produce up to nine varieties of apple juice and five of cider a year. We take all the fruit made available to us within the county and source harvests from throughout the West Country.

Not only is it satisfying using our own fruit, but being able to provide a source of income to farmers whose old orchards can still produce a crop is wonderful.
____________________________________________________________________________________________

  PURE APPLE JUICES:

Created from early season and barely ripe apples – we shake the trees to steal the fruit before it is really ready to drop. Juices are light and fresh with a clean sharp flavour to wake you up at the beginning of the day or refresh you later on. Especially good with rich food - bacon and eggs or pancakes for breakfast, bread and cheese or pasta for lunch.

PURE APPLE JUICES:

Pressed from late season apples that have ripened to full sweetness on the tree. We pick the fruit as it falls, always leaving some for the wildlife. Juices are rich and full flavoured with a smooth velvety finish. An ideal drink for later in the day. Try with a creamy soup, with afternoon tea or with a sharp cheese at the end of an evening meal.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

  CORNISH BLACK & GOLD

A classic cider with a dry full bodied traditional taste.  Made from matured bitter sharp and bitter sweet apples.  Fermented using natural yeasts.
Recommended for people with a dry palate - for relaxing or drinking with chicken or pork.
Taste of the West Food and Drinks Awards (2006) - Silver.
Listed as one of The Ten Best Ciders and Perries by The Independent newspaper (November 2007).

  CORNISH BLACK & GOLD

A popular and refreshing cider with a clean, crisp fruity taste. Made from selected sharp, sweet and bitter sweet apples. Fermented using natural yeasts and lightly sparkled.
Recommended for relaxing and for thirst quenching or for drinking with robust, spicy foods.
Taste of the West Food and Drink Awards (2006 and 2007) - Silver
____________________________________________________________________________________________

  ELDERFLOWER PRESSE:

Delicate elder flowers are infused with sugar syrup, freshly sliced lemons, citric acid and Vitamin C for 48 hours. The heady cordial is then mixed with our Cornish Spring water and lightly sparkled. A popular light, refreshing drink.

Taste of the West Food and Drinks Awards (2006) - Gold

SUMMER APPLE CUP:

Pure apple juice combined with fresh pressed citrus fruits, vanilla and mint. An indulgent drink to savour during the long hot days of summer. Serve very well chilled or over ice. Non alcoholic. Add a splash of gin or Pimms if desired.

Sorry, this is not available at the moment. We will be making some more ready for the summer.
____________________________________________________________________________________________