In 2019, two artists from Cornwall, William Arnold and James Fergusson, embarked on a fascinating project that involved exploring wild apple trees scattered across the Cornish countryside. The duo was intrigued by the diversity of apple varieties that could be found in these unexpected locations, as each apple seed has the potential to produce a unique variety.
Unlike the common apple cultivars we see in supermarkets, such as Gala or Honeycrisp, wild apples grow naturally and do not require the careful propagation process used in commercial apple production. Arnold and Fergusson have spent the past seven years discovering over 600 wild apple varieties in Cornwall, with Arnold capturing their findings through photography while the pair samples the different flavors these apples offer.
To differentiate between the numerous apple varieties they encounter, Arnold and Fergusson use what3words designations, a unique wayfinding system that assigns three random words to specific locations. This method allows them to label the apples based on where the trees were found, creating whimsical and sometimes poetic names like “horse wish gossip” or “bats prefer flame.”
In 2023, the duo collaborated with the University of Exeter and the National Trust to establish The Wilding Mother Orchard near Helford. This orchard is a celebration of the natural diversity of apple fruits and serves as a reminder of how climate change may impact the availability of certain apple varieties in the future.
Arnold and Fergusson’s project, known as “Some Interesting Apples,” has been documented in a short film that showcases their passion for wild apples and the importance of preserving their genetic diversity. The film provides a glimpse into the duo’s tasting notes and highlights the beauty of these unique apple varieties.
For those interested in learning more about Arnold and Fergusson’s work, the short film can be viewed on Vimeo, and Arnold’s photographs can be found on his website. Their dedication to exploring and preserving wild apple varieties serves as a reminder of the importance of biodiversity in the face of a changing climate.
