As part of our mission to become a #sustainableweddingvenue, we’ve launched an ambitious ‘living museum’ project.
Our orchard aims to re-wild our venue’s green surroundings and promote local biodiversity here in the North Wales countryside; as well as offering a unique backdrop for your wedding photos.
But this isn’t just any old apple orchard…
Last year on 22nd April 2022, as part of our mission to make our weddings more sustainable, we made our Earth Day Pledge. We promised that, as a wedding venue, we will commit to action that improves the overall environmental sustainability of the UK wedding industry. Bidding to preserve and protect the Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty that we are lucky enough to call home.
We take our commitments very seriously here at THB. So, over the past year, we’ve been working hard behind the scenes to implement practices that either minimise the environmental impact of our weddings. Or improve the surrounding natural environment (visit our sustainability pledge update for further details).
Credit: Richard Miller
We couldn’t be more proud of our efforts to date
We’re particularly proud of what we feel is one of our more innovative environment-enhancing initiatives: our newly planted apple orchard! Brilliant for local biodiversity, orchards encourage bees, flora and fauna to the local area. We’re hoping ours will both re-wild the venue’s green surroundings and provide a beautiful focal point for your wedding photos while supporting our sustainability agenda.
But that’s not all, those of you who know us well will know that we don’t do anything by halves. Our mantra is: ‘if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.’ So we couldn’t plant just any old orchard. We had to plant ‘THE’ orchard. ‘THE’ orchard that helped to save 57 varieties of Welsh heritage apples on the brink of extinction that is!
In addition to being great for local biodiversity, our orchard serves as a ‘living museum’ of sorts. Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the region whilst ensuring these rare apple varieties don’t drop off the historical timeline altogether. We’re sure you’ll agree, this is one heck of a bonus!
Credit: James Merrick
But Why?
“That’s great but why are all our lovely Welsh apples going extinct in the first place?” I hear you cry. Simply put, many varieties are on the brink of extinction because newer apple varieties, like the Gala (which we feel are not nearly as tasty as some of our heritage varieties), became favourites in supermarkets due to years of commercial marketing.
But not to worry, we’re on it! Or rather, our talented Head Gardener and Horticulturist, Mr Sean Bradnick and his neighbour, aptly named Tom ‘The Apple Man’ are on it! The project is being planted in two phases, with 30 varieties already planted – including a mix of cooking apples, eaters, and cider apples – with another 27 to be added in the second phase.
As you can see, it’s coming along nicely:
Okay, we know it looks a little thin on the ground at the moment (we’re impatient too). Unfortunately, trees grow more slowly than our 21st-century, instant-gratification-craving souls would like. But, if we learnt anything from the good old tortoise and the hare, it’s that slow and steady wins the race, right?
We’re confident that a couple of years from now when we’re indulging in homemade apple pies, chutneys, compotes and apple juice (maybe even a drop of homemade cider 🤫). The blood sweat and tears will be a distant memory. (At least that’s what we’re telling Sean.)
A Beautiful And Unique Natural Photo Backdrop
For those of you who are not whipped into a frenzy by apple-based culinary delights (who doesn’t love apple pie?), imagine the incredible, unique photo opportunities our apple orchard will present.
We can picture it now: loved-up newlyweds strolling hand in hand through a beautiful and unique natural backdrop. The results are going to be epic. (You’re welcome photographer friends.) Especially during the full blossom of spring wedding season here in North Wales. We can’t wait!
Credit: James Merrick
Stay tuned for further updates and see how our orchard progresses by following us on socials and opting into our eco-friendly weddings newsletter here.
