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What are the native fruit trees of UK

BalaBala Posts: 113
edited March 2018 in Fruit & veg
I have a narrow back garden on which I am interested in growing some fruit trees (around 5 or 8) to help Birds, Bees and myself.  Can some body provide insight into what are the native fruit trees of UK (I live in Birmingham). 

The reason for native trees are that they don't need much effort to grow because they are native. 

Also a good place to buy them and spacing required between them.  I heard that Plum - Victoria grows well in the UK.

Thanks
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Posts

  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited March 2018
    Native crab apple might be good.

    Malus Sylvestris

    I'm not sure natives grow easier than others. Moderns can be more productive, floriferous and disease resistant etc
  • BalaBala Posts: 113
    Probably I have over used the term Native. In fact, what I meant to say was, Fruit trees (any variety including Hybrid) that grow well in UK weather.  Having done a bit of reading, looks like I have to ensure the plants I buy should be self-fertile.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    The RHS has done studies and wildlife is just as happy in non-native plantings as so-called native plants.  Indeed, introduced plants extend the season and food sources thus enabling many birds and insects to thrive.

    You need to concentrate more on plants suited to your garden's conditions - soil, exposure, micro-climate, neighbouring plants for cross-pollination purposes.

    Plums were introduced centuries ago from eastern Europe and the Middle East.  Apples came from the middle east and beyond.  Pears are originally from China and Asia...................
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I seem to remember , back in the day, at college being told there are only about 5 plants "native" to UK. i.e. here since the ice age.
    I might well be wrong.
    Devon.
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited March 2018
    I was surprised to learn (from Chris Packham) that a full half of wild British mammals are not indigenous, including the hare.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    The bullace ... a sort of tart cherry/plum cross, is a tree which grows in country gardens and wild in hedgerows all over Great Britain ... it's a marvellous fruit for pies and crumbles and makes wonderful hedgerow wine ... and the trees are great for wildlife.  

    Damsons and cherryplums are very similar and a bit sweeter.

    https://www.keepers-nursery.co.uk/fruit-trees/damson-cherryplum-bullace/bullace 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    It's not complicated.  Before the Ice Age Britain was part of the European continent.  As the ice melted, not only did the land rise as the weight reduced but water levels rose and flooded the lowland which now makes the English Channel and North Sea.  This happened fast enough to mean there was a very limited number of creatures and plants that made it across before the water stopped them in their tracks.

    Rabbits, lavender, apples, garlic etc were all introduced by the Romans so a mere 2 millennia ago.    Here is what the RHS has discovered in researching plants for pollinators and comparing native species to introductions - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=970
     
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    Do any of your neighbours have fruit trees in their gardens? That might help with pollination depending on varieties nearby and reduce the emphasis on self fertile varieties. If there aren't any then think about planting two or three mutually compatible varieties of each type of fruit you want. Most decent nursery websites will list compatible types. That would also give you the chance to have cookers and eaters for apples for example.
  • BalaBala Posts: 113
    Thank you so much for all the replies.  Unfortunately none of my neighbours have fruit trees, most of them have paved it.
  • HelixHelix Posts: 631
    Have a look at the Brogdale site as it explains rootstocks and planting distances so you can get an idea of what you can fit in, and also lists categories such as self fertile 

    https://brogdaleonline.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Understanding-apple-rootstocks.pdf

    You also need to think about what you like to eat! No point planting a fruit you don't like...
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