(Shropshire)

Produce:

Damsons, Pears, Plums, Cobnuts (Hazelnuts)

Stationed at the foot of the mighty Clee Hill, in “gods own country” is Augernik Fruit Farm. Bill Auger set about his life’s work in February 1989, transforming two empty fields in South Shropshire into a thriving organic orchard. Every tree that now flourishes there was planted by Bill’s own hand.

Organic from day one, the farm’s roots run even deeper into Bill’s family history. His grandfather, who began farming organically in the 1940s, held firm to the belief that nothing in nature should be harmed unnecessarily. Bill’s father kept bees and fiercely protective of them, shared the same ethos as his father before him. With such a legacy, Bill could never imagine farming any other way. Augernik follows the principle that, when left to balance, pests and predators find their own rhythm. Every fruit is picked fully ripe from the tree- never before its time. This gives a shorter shelf life, but unrivalled freshness and flavour.

One of Bill’s proudest achievements is keeping alive the tradition of the Shropshire Prune, a heritage fruit first recorded to be growing in Shropshire in the 16th century. With around 100 trees, Augernik remains one of the few orchards still cultivating this variety. Beloved by Michelin-starred chefs across the country, the prune finds its way into rich damson cheese, stewed fruits and seasonal dishes. Bill insists it’s one of his own favourites, too.