Rare Wiltshire trees have been planted in Marlborough, to celebrate the town’s annual ‘Apple Day’.

Marlborough’s Mayor, Coun Nicholas Fogg, joined with residents of the town on Saturday, October 21, to plant the first of four rare apple trees in the town’s thriving Community Orchard.

Now 10 new rare Wiltshire apple trees in total can be spotted around Marlborough, including Corsley Pippin, Mary Barnett, Burn’s Seedling and Roundway Magnum Bonum.

‘Apple Day’ was first conceived in 1990 by the conservation charity Common Ground, with the idea to “create a town in an orchard for the benefit of all.”

The first apple tree at Priory Gardens was planted by Coun Nicholas Fogg in 2010, who has now begun his third mayoral term this year. So Marlborough Community Orchard felt it was only fitting to invite him back.

Marlborough Community Orchard volunteers have researched and shared rare varieties with other towns and villages to share knowledge and keep old varieties going,” said Trish Rowell, from the Orchard group.

Along with these 10 rare apple trees, 23 other apple varieties can be found dotted around town in popular locations including Waitrose carpark and St Peter’s churchyard.

Each new tree has a label attached detailing the tree type and its sponsor.