Original Bramley apple tree at risk after site is put up for sale

The original Bramley apple tree in Southwell is seen as at risk after Nottingham Trent University put the cottages and garden where it grows up for sale, and the tree has not been granted a tree preservation order.

The original Bramley apple tree stands in the back garden of a row of cottages in Southwell, Nottinghamshire and has been linked to one of Britain's best-known cooking apples. Nottingham Trent University put the cottages and their garden on the market, saying the buildings' age and configuration made them unsuitable for accommodation. Campaigners and descendants of the family associated with the variety say the tree is at risk because it lacks a legal preservation order. The tree is more than 220 years old, has been diagnosed with honey fungus, but is still alive and producing apples. What is known: - Nottingham Trent University has owned the cottages since 2018 and says the site is on sale due to the age and configuration of the buildings. - The university says it has worked to care for the tree while custodian and aims to ensure it remains with a responsible custodian. - The original Bramley tree has never been granted a tree preservation order and therefore does not have that specific legal protection. - Campaigners, including the great-granddaughter of Henry Merryweather and the Mother Bramley Legacy Fund, say they are concerned and are seeking funds to purchase the site. Summary: The tree's future is uncertain while the site is being sold and it lacks a tree preservation order. Nottingham Trent University says it has maintained the tree during its custodianship and seeks a responsible future custodian. Undetermined at this time.