In 2003, Jim Chapman gave 25 acres to Hartpury Heritage Trust, to build an Orchard Centre surrounded by orchards containing the perry pear collection. The Centre was built in 2008, and the first training course was held there in September that year, although it was not formally opened until May 2009, by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Henry Elwes. Known as the National Perry Pear Centre, it was established to conserve a genetic resource for the nation, and to undertake and publish research into the perry pear.
Conserving a part of our orchard heritage