Our work at Barrington Court

An adult with a child on their shoulders look up at the branches of an apple tree in the orchard at Barrington Court, Somerset — Exploring the orchard at Barrington Court | © National Trust Images / James Dobson

It takes a lot of work to care for the buildings and grounds at Barrington Court. Staff and volunteers work all year round to protect the house and its contents. Outside, the team works tirelessly to maintain the garden and 10 acres of orchard. Home to ancient apple varieties, the apples from the orchards are used to make delicious apple juice and cider.

Protecting Barrington Court

Weather conditions damaged part of the roof at Barrington Court in recent years. As a result, the house is currently closed.

The house will remain closed for some time as we need to carry out research to ensure we restore and repair using the correct materials and tools whilst minimising environmental impact.

The ornate roof with the twisted chimneys at Barrington Court, Somerset — Twisted chimneys at Barrington Court | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler

The apple orchards

Across South Somerset, the National Trust helps protect more than 150 types of apple. Many of those are ancient heritage varieties.

Barrington Court alone boasts 10 acres of apple orchard and has a focus on cider apples. In fact, the team works hard every year to harvest the apples so they can be turned into apple juice and cider.

A view of the trees in the orchard on a sunny July day at Barrington Court, Somerset — The Orchard at Barrington Court | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler

Preserving Britain’s orchards

Around two-thirds of Britain’s orchards have been lost since the 1960s, meaning that the remaining orchards are a precious resource.

The Trust planted nearly 100 varieties of cider apple trees across south Somerset back in 2016. This was part of the Tidnor National Collection of cider trees located at Trust sites across the South West.

Helping wildlife

Traditional orchards that aren’t treated with pesticides are good for wildlife. Old trees support species, such as mistletoe or the rare noble chafer beetle.

Wildflower meadows can grow underneath the trees, which encourage pollinators in the spring and can be cut for hay in autumn. Plus, rangers and volunteer teams can encourage insect-eating birds to nest in the trees to help keep pests down.