Crunch time for world's oldest cooking apple tree

This Bramley apple tree might not look too different from any other tree - but it actually has a very special history.

The tree, found in Southwell in Nottinghamshire, is the very first Bramley from which saplings were taken to allow millions of others to be grown worldwide.

Bramley apples are a type of cooking apple, with this species recognised as one of Britain's most cherished ancient heritage trees.

But campaigners are now fighting to try and make sure it remains protected for the future, by raising money to buy the tree.

The tree was originally grown from a pip by a girl called Mary Ann Brailsford in 1809.

In 2022 it was also chosen to be part of a nationwide network of ancient trees dedicated to Queen Elizabeth, as part of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The land the tree is planted is called Bramley Cottages and belongs to Nottingham Trent University.

They have looked after it by maintaining it and keeping it secure, but there are now plans for this land to be bought by a private owner.

Campaigners argue this would mean "there will be no public access to it and no guarantee that this delicate, elderly tree will be appropriately cared for in the future".

A group called Mother Bramley Heritage Group has now set up a crowdfunding campaign, aiming to raise £250,000.

The group hope they can use this money to buy the Bramley Cottages, and turn it into a heritage site for tourists and educational facility.

The fund will also be made up of another contribution by a prominent local business that will manage the cottage.