Norton Priory launches big plans for Northern Fruit Tree Centre

Ambitious plans to create a new ‘Northern Centre of Excellence for Fruit Trees’ have been launched by Runcorn’s leading historic tourist attraction, Norton Priory Museum and Gardens.

Thanks to a £79,800 grant from the INEOS Environment Fund, the 42-acre site is exploring new ways to expand its orchards and convert a disused yard and outbuildings into a thriving new, horticultural hub for fruit tree learning, research and product innovation.

The project will explore how the historic Georgian walled garden, Grade II-listed icehouse and Victorian coach house can be refurbished and brought back into meaningful use again, creating new opportunities for people to enjoy and learn about fruit trees and the gardeners who grew them.

Originally a medieval priory and later a Georgian stately home, Norton Priory has a strong tradition of fruit tree production stretching back over 900 years. It already hosts the National Collection of Tree Quince, many local heritage apple varieties from Cheshire and Lancashire and a range of fruit trees including pears, figs, damsons, mulberries and even a kiwi vine.

Coming under the development spotlight will be a range of existing and new orchards across the estate, including an orchard recently established on a medieval ridge-and-furrow field, behind the Walled Garden, named ‘Eleanor’s Orchard’ in honour of the wife of the farmer who once owned the land.

Supported by site owners Halton Borough Council, this initial research phase will enable Norton Priory to identify opportunities and priorities and develop a costed action plan in preparation for a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for funding to deliver the exciting project.

Rob Sanderson-Thomas, Chief Executive of Norton Priory, said:

“Fruit trees have been a familiar part of this landscape for many centuries, and we believe they have an important role to play in its future too.

“Our National Collection of Tree Quince, our heritage apples, our growing ‘library’ of fruit trees and the unique history of this remarkable place give us the foundations to create a new, important horticultural hub for Northern England.

“This is about much more than planting trees. It’s about celebrating the people behind them, bringing our history to life, supporting nature and exploring how we breathe new life into these precious, historic buildings.

“The £79,800 investment gives us the opportunity to turn that ambition into a properly researched and tested plan. We want to understand what is possible, what people would value and how we can create something that is environmentally meaningful, historically rich and sustainable. The future is incredibly exciting.”

This new development project marks an important step towards a long-term vision to connect the estate’s past with its future: protecting and celebrating its horticultural heritage, creating new ways for people to engage with the landscape, and exploring how Norton Priory can continue to thrive.

Cllr Dave Thompson, Halton Borough Council’s Executive Board member for Communities & Neighbourhoods, says: "We’re excited about these plans and the opportunity to build on one of the many features that make Norton Priory so special. By celebrating its unique heritage and making the most of what is already there, we can breathe new life into underused spaces and create a centre of excellence and innovation, ensuring the site continues to grow.

“This funding is a welcome boost that will help turn a shared vision into reality, and we look forward to seeing these ambitious plans come to life and the many opportunities they will create as the project bears fruit."

Throughout the winter season, visitors can continue to explore Norton Priory Museum and Gardens and enjoy a range of exciting autumn and Christmas events, including a Christmas Gift Fair on Sunday 22 November.

For more information, check out the website: www.nortonpriory.org

Norton Priory Museum | Garden | Medieval Buildings Cheshire