Thorpeness Apple Tree on the beach by Eric Atkinson

As can be seen from the photograph, the apple tree lies about 50 meters from the sea in a depression on the shingle bank mid-way between Aldeburgh and Thorpeness adjacent to the sluice, it is about 10m in diameter and about 1m high, kept flattened to the shingle and restricted in growth by the strong coastal winds. It is believed to have been on the beach for over fifty years and is the possible result of a discarded apple core and despite the effects of the wind and sea spray the tree does bear edible fruit.

It is also known as the Roger Deakin’s Apple as he wrote about it in his book ‘Wildwood’ published in 2007. It has been propagated by grafting and now is included in a number of Suffolk orchards and locations that are involved in the scattered orchard project, It is also available to purchase from a local nursery in Campsea Ashe.

The Scattered Orchards Project started in the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), in 2016 when15 community orchards were planted.

The aim of the project was to provide an investment in the future. Planting small clumps of traditional fruit and nut trees, in particular the rare and scarce Suffolk/Essex varieties, on publicly accessible land which meant local people could benefit from the trees; enjoy seeing the blossom in the spring and provide opportunities for future generations of autumn foragers, as well as providing habitats for a wide variety of wildlife by enriching the biodiversity of the parish.

​The project was extended to the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB with the aim to plant fruit trees in every parish within the AONB. The trees were planted by the AONB team, its volunteers with support from the local community, many of whom have now taken over much of the on-going maintenance and have in many cases continued to plant additional trees enabling them to literally enjoy the fruits of their labour.