There is only one apple that is considered ‘native’ to the UK, the Crab Apple (Malus Sylvestris). The Crab Apple’s tendency to hybridise with other, non-native varieties means native, ‘wild’ trees are rare. Previous work has identified that Galloway hosts a major proportion of the UK’s wild Crab Apple Trees.

Experts increasingly admire the population of native crab apple trees in Galloway. But why are they here, and why does this matter?