National Fruit Collection facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Fruit Collection |
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Orchards at Brogdale Farm
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| Location | Brogdale, Kent, England |
| Area | 150 acres (61 ha) |
| Owned by | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs |
| Managed by | University of Reading |
| Plants | > 3,500 varieties |
The National Fruit Collection in the United Kingdom is one of the biggest collections of fruit trees and plants anywhere in the world. It's like a huge living library of fruits!
This amazing collection grows over 3,500 different types of fruits. You can find more than 2,040 kinds of apples, 502 types of pears, 350 kinds of plums, and 322 types of cherries. There are also smaller groups of berries, nuts, and grapes. All these plants are grown across 150 acres (about 60 hectares) of orchards.
Contents
What is the National Fruit Collection?
The National Fruit Collection is a special place that keeps many different kinds of fruit trees and plants safe. Its main goal is to preserve the wide variety of fruits we have. This helps make sure that these fruit types don't disappear. It's important for future food and farming.
Where is it Located?
This collection has been cared for at Brogdale Farm in Brogdale, Kent, England, since 1952. Brogdale Farm is a perfect spot for growing all these different fruits.
Who Manages This Collection?
The collection is owned by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This is a part of the UK government that looks after the environment and farming. Since 2008, the University of Reading has been in charge of the daily care of the collection. Experts from the university make sure the plants are healthy and well-maintained.
Why is This Collection Important?
The National Fruit Collection is very important for many reasons. It helps scientists study different fruit varieties. They can learn about how fruits grow, how to make them stronger, and how to protect them from diseases. It also helps farmers choose the best fruits to grow. This collection is a valuable resource for everyone who loves fruit!
Protecting Each Variety
To make sure no fruit type is lost, the collection grows at least two trees or bushes of each variety. This way, if one plant gets sick or dies, there's a backup. It's a smart way to protect these important fruit varieties for a long time.
See also
