I was stunned in some ways, to hear of this use of a web service to search for small scale land characteristics. Apparently Google Earth is accuarate enough to spot specific land usages from the armchair, which may not be visible from the road. Cidermakers are always on the lookout for old orchards, either with a view to buying an established cider orchard at agricultural land prices, or to scrounge the unused fruit. I think it’s the way in which the old standard trees were planted in rows which makes them visible by sattelite.
Found some at Cheddington (near Dunstable) and Clophill (Beds). Have had no luck tracing owners – the Cheddington orchards appear sadly derilict. Part of it is up for sale for a staggering £100k for 3 acres.
Sheephill Orchard in Clophill has, in the past at least, had a farm shop. A casual drive past shows it to be well maintained. Does anyone know who owns it and what they do with their apples!?
