The Hartpury Heritage Trust, a dedicated branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) based in Gloucestershire, has been recognized for its outstanding efforts to safeguard traditional perry pear orchards. As modern agricultural practices and market pressures threaten to erase these unique orchards, the Trust’s commitment to conserving these heritage trees is a crucial step in protecting an irreplaceable part of local culture and biodiversity.
Perry pears, often overshadowed by their cider apple counterparts, are essential for producing traditional perry—a sparkling, fruity alcoholic beverage with deep roots in English tradition. By maintaining and restoring old orchards, the Trust not only preserves genetic diversity but also ensures that traditional perry production methods carry on for future generations to enjoy.
The award highlights the importance of grassroots initiatives in resisting the homogenizing forces of the commercial beverage industry. Thanks to the Trust’s proactive orchard management and community engagement, Gloucestershire continues to celebrate and sustain its unique perry pear legacy.