Nature Features

For generations, the apple tree in Diana's back garden has been the source of delicious apple pies and cakes. The family never knew the true name for the apple's variety but her grandfather used to call it Granfer's apple, as in grandfather's apple.

I went to Beaminster to see the 'UFO' (Unidentified Fruity Object) that has been appearing in 83 year old Diana Toms' back garden for so long.

When I finally saw the apples I couldn't understand how you would know they were unique. Diana explained to me that the apple's shape, length of stalk and the brown streaks makes it different to other varieties. I wondered how they tasted and was tempted to take a bite. But since there are only three left I decided against it.

Diana Toms with her apple

David Squirrel from Symondsbury Apple Project has been busy making sure there will be more of these apples grown in the future. As I arrived, he was taking some cuttings of Diana's old apple tree. The plan is to grow more of this variety, that has either never been recorded or has been lost in history.

Diana took her apple along to the Symondsbury Apple Day back in 2004. She thought the experts would be able to tell her its true name.

When she realised they couldn't identify it, she was very excited. It wasn't long before word got around and she became busy with people wanting to know more about her alien apple.

Diana tells me that the tree was planted before her great-great grandfather bought the family home in 1803.

She has been doing some research into the local history and found out that there was an orchard where the tree is. She believes that the tree belonged to that orchard.

The tree which has survived over 200 years has just hit the headlines with its rare fruits. Yet walking around the garden you are struck by its modesty - an old and humble apple tree.

Diana wants it to be named the Granfer apple tree, after the name it was given by her great great grandfather.

In the autumn, the tree will once again give its fruits, and the family will again enjoy the apple cakes and pies just as in the many years gone by.