Andrew Lear

Andrew was born in East Devon, and was practically born in a cider orchard. He even had a treehouse in a big old Bramley tree in the garden! And behind his house in Ottery St Mary was an old orchard full of horrible tasting cookers (he didn’t know the difference then) and some vicious geese! The orchard belonged to an old farming family of Luxtons, and sadly went the way of many orchards – developed into houses in the 1980’s.

Andrew trained in tree surgery and horticulture, and went on to work in various parts of England and Scotland. Later he came across the orchards in Worcestershire and spent a spell on the West Coast on Gigha in the walled garden, which also had good fruit!

Andrew has always grown fruit trees, and his first introduction to heritage trees was when he instigated the planting of old Scottish varieties at Culzean Castle in 1990.

He now puts 40 years of horticultural knowledge into practice by teaching and advising orchard groups and owners throughout Scotland, and propagating our heritage varieties of fruit.

Lynsey helps Andrew at the farm and can often be a point of contact when you are visiting. There are often staff in the field or shed, so do ask if she is nearby and you need help when visiting. Her mobile number can be found in the wee kiosk.