Elm Farm is a working farm, some of which has been specifically designed to provide a safe and clean place for groups to visit to study Farming and Conservation. Elm Farm is only open for pre-booked group visits. Group organisers are welcome to visit in advance to plan their trip. Use the information on the website or telephone for more information.

Elm Farm is not a commercial cider producer. The farm is not open to the general public but they welcome enquiries from people who would like to bring an interested group for an organised, pre-booked visit.

Cider is made on the farm from apples grown in their own cider orchard. The orchard was re-planted in 1987 with the following varieties of standard sized trees: Chisel Jersey, Kingston Black, Michelin, Brown's Apple, Yarlington Mill, Dabinett, and Harry Masters Jersey. These varieties of apples were chosen because they are trees grown traditionally in Somerset and, when blended together, give the authentic taste of Somerset Cider as it has always been made.

The trees have started cropping and will continue to produce fruit for the next 50 years. 15 tonnes are collected in a good year, some of which are used to make cider at Elm Farm and the remains are sold to commercial producers. The cider-making press is thought to be about 100 years old and was bought and renovated to be used in the process at Elm Farm. Until the Second World War, cider was provided daily for the sustenance of staff on the farm!

In early November they run Cider Week during which visitors can get involved in the cider making process and learn the story of the apple. Group sizes can be between 15 and 30 people with all visits during the day as it gets dark early at this time of year. See website for details.

Elm Farm, Burnett, Keynsham, Somerset BS31 2TF

[email your comments about Elm Farm Cider to comments@zider.co.uk]

I was lucky enough to visit Elm Farm on one of their Cider Days, organised by a local Wildlife Group (possibly the best turn-out they had for an event!). We arrived at the farm, and were whisked off to a near-by orchard where we spent a good hour or so collecting apples. After returning to the farm, we were then all involved in the juicing and pressing of the apples; ending up coated with apple debris and reeking of fruit. The whole process was explained as we went along, and I only wish I had though to bring the camera along. We left with great memories -and some rather nice cider from the previous year's press! I only hope the Wildlife Group organise another trip this year...
[Frank Blades, Editor]

Apple Gathering at Elm Farm

Apples ready for pulping