Westons Cider are an incredible, family-owned cidermaker in Much Marcle, Herefordshire, working with nature to produce some amazing ciders such as Henry Westons and Stowford Press.
Their founder, Henry Weston, established the drinks business in 1880 on his livestock farm after seeing an opportunity to make cider from the surrounding apple orchards. Nurturing the land to ensure a healthy harvest was as important back then as it is today. Without insects to pollinate the apple blossom there is no fruit and no harvest, so working carefully with the natural biodiversity has always been fundamental to the Westons team.
Back in the 1980’s Westons Cider developed a way to process the wastewater created from the cider making process. It began as a few small ponds naturally filtrating water and developed into a water treatment system including nine reed ponds, a wetland, that cleans the water so it can go back into the local brook.
It also provides a haven for wildlife; Westons work with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and the British Ornithology Trust to ensure the fauna and flora are cared for. Migratory and rare birds flock here alongside mammals such as water voles and insects like Damselflies. These green spaces are just as important to the local wildlife for habitats as they are to cider making.
Creating blends where the apples are sourced from within a 50-mile region of the cider mill is key to ensuring the rural economy remains supported for the future. It’s something Westons have always done in their 143-year history.
Growers and most of the staff live locally and help to grow the business whilst the producer maintains traditional orchard spaces. Little owls, barn owls and field fares are just a few of the many bird species that can be spotted amongst the apple trees. The farm team plant wild flower margins around the orchard edges to provide nectar for pollinators and seed for birdlife, to support a diverse home for wildlife, all year round.
Remaining true to tradition, such as spending time maturing in aged oak vats, is a testament to the care that goes into producing the very best ciders. It takes more time and is not the easiest way, but the right way to give the best depth of flavour. The delicious Henry Westons Vintage ciders are made each year using apples from a single year’s harvest.
