FAQs
Location
Bath Orchard is located in Warleigh Lane in Bathford, a hamlet and civil parish approximately 4 miles east of the city of bath, in Somerset.
When was Bath Orchard established?
Although there has been an apple orchard on the site for centuries, Bath Orchard regeneration and carbon offset project was established in 2025, with planting commencing in early 2026.
Bath Orchard's Vision
To become a leading model of community-driven green space, where sustainability, wellness, and generosity come together under the apple tree canopy.
Bath Orchard's Mission
To grow a flourishing apple orchard on this ancient orchard site that nurtures environmental stewardship, community wellbeing and carbon offset through active participation with nature and shared purpose.
When can I subscribe?
We are now taking reservations to subscribe for our February 2026 planting season.
What varieties of apple trees will be planted?
We are looking to plant a variety of apple trees that are native to Somerset and to the soil type and topology of the site. Varieties include; Yarlington Mill, Kingston Black, Beauty of Bath, Bramley, Foxwhelp, etc.
Can I choose a specific variety of apple tree to be planted?
Bath Orchard will choose the variety of apple tree planted depending on stock availability, density requirement and other considerations. However, if you would like a certain variety to be planted from the varieties that we have selected, then please feel free to let us know on the subscription form and we will endeavour to meet your request.
Who can become a member and subscribe to Bath Orchard?
Bath Orchard is available to all residents and businesses of Bath and the surrounding areas.
Can I subscribe to a mature established apple tree?
From time to time we may have a number of established apple trees that you can subscribe to. Please get in contact to check our availability and subscription costs. These trees are ideal for aspiring cider makers!
How long will it take for a newly planted tree to produce fruit and carbon offset?
We anticipate that after planting a tree, fruit can be produced in 3 to 4 years. A newly planted apple tree sapling begins to absorb CO₂ as soon as it starts growing leaves. The process of photosynthesis begins as soon as the sapling has leaves, meaning carbon absorption starts right away. Young trees absorb significantly less CO₂ than mature ones. A small sapling might absorb only a few kilograms of CO₂ in its first few years. The rate of CO₂ absorption increases as the tree grows larger and develops more foliage. Apple trees typically reach their peak carbon sequestration capability when they are around 18 years old. A mature apple tree can absorb approximately 25 kg of CO₂ per year over its productive lifetime. The total climate benefits, including carbon storage in the wood and soil, accumulate over the tree's entire lifespan, which can be several decades. In essence, while the apple tree starts working immediately, its major contribution to offsetting carbon emissions is a long-term investment.
What happens if an apple tree dies?
Don't worry! Any trees that die will be replaced free of charge and are covered under your monthly subscription.
What happens to the apples?
It is hoped that the apples grown will be donated to local food banks, the local community, etc. Bath Orchard may produce cider, apple juice, etc and/or may offer apples to local cideries. We will also hold harvest days where subscribers can come and join us in picking plenty of apples for their personal use.
Can I pick some apples?
As a subscriber you are more than welcome to come and pick some apples for your personal use on harvest days that we will publish on our website. However, we recommend that you walk or cycle to Bath Orchard as parking is restricted.
How will I know which tree relates to my subscription?
Once you have subscribed and the tree has been planted, it will be clearly labelled.
Can I visit Bath Orchard?
As a subscriber we would love to see you at Bath Orchard. However, we would recommend that you walk or cycle to Bath Orchard as parking is restricted. Please note that there are no toilet facilities. Please let us know if you would like to visit by dropping us an email at enquiries@bathorchard.com
Can I volunteer at Bath Orchard?
We are looking to organise planting, pruning , harvesting days etc. and would welcome subscribers to come along, volunteer and help out in the upkeep of Bath Orchard. If you are interested as a subscriber in volunteering then please let us know by dropping us an email at enquiries@bathorchard.com
Do I own the apples?
No. The apples will be owned by Bath Orchard. However, as a subscriber you are more than welcome to come and pick some apples from the tree relating to your subscription. However, we recommend that you walk or cycle to Bath Orchard as parking is restricted. Please note that there are no toilet facilities. Please let us know that you would like to visit by dropping us an email at enquiries@bathorchard.com
Do I pay VAT?
Bath Orchard is VAT exempt. Therefore, currently monthly subscriptions are VAT exempt.
Can I cancel my subscription?
You can cancel your subscription at anytime.
Below is a year-by-year estimate of carbon offset for a single, 30, 60 and 90 apple trees planted.
Assumptions (Specific to M25)
- Rootstock: M25 (very vigorous, large canopy)
- Tree size at maturity: ~6–7 m tall, wide crown
- Climate: Temperate
- Management: Light pruning, tree retained for full 25 years
- Carbon pools: Above-ground + below-ground biomass
- Carbon conversion:
1 kg carbon (C) = 3.67 kg CO₂ - Estimated 25-year sequestration: ≈ 260 kg CO₂ per tree
This reflects the larger trunk, scaffold limbs, and root system typical of M25.
Annual and Cumulative Carbon Offset
Units: kilograms (kg) of CO₂
Year Annual CO₂ Sequestered Cumulative CO₂
1 0.4 0.4
2 0.8 1.2
3 1.6 2.8
4 2.8 5.6
5 4.5 10.1
6 6.5 16.6
7 8.5 25.1
8 11.0 36.1
9 14.0 50.1
10 17.0 67.1
11 18.5 85.6
12 20.0 105.6
13 21.0 126.6
14 21.0 147.6
15 20.0 167.6
16 18.5 186.1
17 16.5 202.6
18 14.5 217.1
19 12.5 229.6
20 10.5 240.1
21 8.5 248.6
22 6.5 255.1
23 4.5 259.6
24 3.0 262.6
25 2.0
264.6 ≈ 265 kg CO₂
Final Result
✅ Total carbon offset over 25 years (M25 apple tree):
≈ 260–270 kg CO₂ per tree
Why M25 Sequesters More Carbon
- Larger trunk diameter
- Extensive root biomass
- Longer juvenile growth phase
- Higher lifetime woody tissue accumulation
Context
- 🚗 Equivalent to ~650 miles driven in a petrol car
- ⚡ Equivalent to ~400 kWh of fossil-fuel electricity
Important Notes
- Carbon remains stored only while the tree stands or wood is used in long-lived products.
- Heavy annual pruning or early removal reduces net sequestration.
- Orchard grass, mulch, and leaf litter can add 10–30% more via soil carbon (not included here).
Below is the scaled carbon offset calculation for M25 rootstock apple trees when planting 30, 60, and 90 trees.
All numbers are linear scalings (tree × quantity).
Per-Tree Reference (M25)
- 25-year total per tree: ≈ 265 kg CO₂
- Peak sequestration: Years 11–15
1️⃣ 30 Trees Planted (M25)
Annual & Cumulative Carbon Offset
Units: kg CO₂
Year Annual (30 trees) Cumulative
1 12 12
2 24 36
3 48 84
4 84 168
5 135 303
6 195 498
7 255 753
8 330 1,083
9 420 1,503
10 510 2,013
11 555 2,568
12 600 3,168
13 630 3,798
14 630 4,428
15 600 5,028
16 555 5,583
17 495 6,078
18 435 6,513
19 375 6,888
20 315 7,203
21 255 7,458
22 195 7,653
23 135 7,788
24 90 7,878
25 60
7,938 ≈ 7.9 t CO₂
2️⃣ 60 Trees Planted (M25)
Annual & Cumulative Carbon Offset
Units: kg CO₂
Year Annual (60 trees) Cumulative
1 24 24
2 48 72
3 96 168
4 168 336
5 270 606
6 390 996
7 510 1,506
8 660 2,166
9 840 3,006
10 1,020 4,026
11 1,110 5,136
12 1,200 6,336
13 1,260 7,596
14 1,260 8,856
15 1,200 10,056
16 1,110 11,166
17 990 12,156
18 870 13,026
19 750 13,776
20 630 14,406
21 510 14,916
22 390 15,306
23 270 15,576
24 180 15,756
25 120
15,876 ≈ 15.9 t CO₂
3️⃣ 90 Trees Planted (M25)
Annual & Cumulative Carbon Offset
Units: kg CO₂
Year Annual (90 trees) Cumulative
1 36 36
2 72 108
3 144 252
4 252 504
5 405 909
6 585 1,494
7 765 2,259
8 990 3,249
9 1,260 4,509
10 1,530 6,039
11 1,665 7,704
12 1,800 9,504
13 1,890 11,394
14 1,890 13,284
15 1,800 15,084
16 1,665 16,749
17 1,485 18,234
18 1,305 19,539
19 1,125 20,664
20 945 21,609
21 765 22,374
22 585 22,959
23 405 23,364
24 270 23,634
25 180
23,814 ≈ 23.8 t CO₂
Summary Table
Trees Planted 25-Year Carbon Offset
30 trees ≈ 7.9 tonnes CO₂
60 trees ≈ 15.9 tonnes CO₂
90 trees ≈ 23.8 tonnes CO₂
Practical Interpretation
- 🌳 90 M25 apple trees ≈ annual emissions of ~5 average cars
- 🌾 Adding grass, mulch, or compost could increase totals by 10–30%
- 🔥 Carbon is retained only while trees remain standing or wood is not burned
Source: AI generated information