Rare plum could be boosted by orchard revival

The Dittisham plum thrives exclusively in the Dart Valley

A rare plum that grows only in one corner of Devon is getting a helping hand thanks to a new conservation effort.

The Dittisham plum, also known as the Ploughman Plum, thrives exclusively in the Dart Valley, with the last large orchard of 400 trees in the village of Dittisham.

Historically, the plum was a source of income for locals, with traders from London buying crates of fruit left outside homes with honesty boxes.

Now, through Defra's Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme, shoots from the original trees, known as suckers, have been distributed to six local farmers to establish new orchards and help secure the plum's future.

The Dittisham plum is more red and oblong compared with supermarket varieties. The flesh is juicy and lends itself well to making jam.

Hound Orchard, where the plum grows in Dittisham, has been in the same family for three generations.

"There are myths about how it got here," said owner Erika Pilkington.

"Some say it came from Germany, brought by sailors after a shipwreck. However it arrived, it's become part of our village's identity."

Diane Lethbridge from the South Devon National Landscape Partnership, which is co-ordinating the project, said: "The Dittisham plum is iconic.

"This orchard is the last of its kind, and it's vital we act now to protect it."

Tree consultant Rupert Baker, who grew up in Dittisham, added: "These plums are unique.

"They grow on their own roots, unlike most commercial varieties which are grafted. And they don't seem to thrive anywhere else."