Birmingham artist in search of forgotten apple orchards

Oct 23 2009 by William Oliphant, Birmingham Post

Birmingham’s own version of Johnny Appleseed – artist Eleanor Hoad – has been touring our city’s streets in search of forgotten apple orchards.

The 30-year-old artist in residence at Kingstanding Leisure Centre has been on her bike around the city uncovering Birmingham’s surprising vast wealth of fruit.

As part of this year’s Apple Day celebrations in Kingstanding she decided to see how many fruit trees which are lying unused or forgotten in the city, which she could locate to aid the celebrations.

“Fruit growing is obviously seen as a rural tradition, but there’s loads of it all over the city,” she said.

“I’ve found apple trees in industrial areas growing in forgotten corners. There was one area which had obviously been put aside for building work and I found apple and plum trees and even a grape vine growing in the corner.

“In another area there was an allotment which was no longer being used which had lots of apple and plum trees in it.”

Eleanor has also been peering into gardens all over the city to try and find people who have fruit going spare.

“For a lot of people it’s a big hassle having to deal with the fruit or maybe it’s too high for them to reach so I’ve been offering to harvest it for them in exchange for a share of the apples,” she added.

“People often feel guilty because there’s a lot of fruit going to waste in their back garden, so they’ve often been quite keen to see it going to a good cause.

“We’ve often spotted fruit trees hanging over garden walls and we’ve just knocked on the doors and asked if it was okay to take some away.

Eleanor, who specialises in environmental art, keeps her own fruit trees in her back garden, as well as a productive allotment.

Since she started collecting last month, Eleanor has amassed hundreds of apples which are waiting for the celebrations due to be held on Sunday at Kingstanding Leisure Centre.

The group has also put together a map of the city featuring all the areas where they found apples, so that they can go back for more produce next year.

“It’s about looking at our city with fresh eyes, urban areas often conceal an orchard hidden from view in gardens, on waste ground or in communal areas, this source of forgotten food needs to be harvested, eaten and celebrated, particularly when we begin to consider how cities will sustain themselves into the future,” said Eleanor.

The event, which is free, will see many of the apples being pressed to create apple juice using Eleanor’s apple press which is home made from reclaimed materials.

It will also see the launch of the Urban Orchard Competition where people will have the chance to have a fruit tree dedicated to a special person.

The event will run from noon to 5pm. There will be a celidh from 6pm to 8pm and to book tickets all 0121 464 7890, or to help by volunteering with the project call Eleanor on 07974 934917.