Our work at Barrington Court

Sunny view of the 16th-century stone house of Barrington Court, with a red creeper growing up one wall — South lawn and Barrington Court | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

It takes a lot of work to care for the buildings and grounds at Barrington Court. Staff and volunteers work all year round to protect the houses and content. Outside, the team works tirelessly to maintain the garden and 10 acres of orchard. Home to ancient apple varieties, the apples from the orchards are used to make delicious cider.

Barrington Court Revival Project

A century of weather has taken its toll on the roofs and rainwater goods at Barrington Court. Water ingress has led to some damage to the historic fabric of the buildings, which is why Court House is closed. The house will remain closed for some time as we need to carry out research to ensure we repair and restore the buildings using the correct materials and tools whilst minimising environmental impact.

Click here for project updates

The ornate roof with the twisted chimneys at Barrington Court, Somerset — Twisted chimneys at Barrington Court | © National Trust Images / Andrew Butler

The apple orchards

Across South Somerset, the National Trust helps protect more than 150 types of apple. Many of those are ancient heritage varieties.

Barrington Court alone boasts 10 acres of apple orchard and has a focus on cider apples. Every year visitors are invited to help with the harvest of the apples so they can be turned into cider.

Visitors helping to collect apples in the orchard at Barrington Court — Apple harvest at Barrington Court | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Preserving Britain’s orchards

Around two-thirds of Britain’s orchards have been lost since the 1960s, meaning that the remaining orchards are a precious resource. As and when trees fall into decline, we replace them with new ones. At Barrington Court we contribute to the National Trust's commitment to plant and establish 20 million trees across England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2030.

Helping wildlife and grass management

Traditional orchards that aren’t treated with pesticides are good for wildlife. Old trees support species, such as mistletoe or the rare noble chafer beetle.

Wildflower meadows and grass can grow underneath the trees, which encourage pollinators in the spring and can be cut for hay in autumn. Plus, rangers and volunteer teams can encourage insect-eating birds to nest in the trees to help keep pests down.