Harvesting the fruits of their labours
When Steve Younger realised he had to diversify to keep his farm in business he turned to his long time hobby - cider making.
From having a couple of apple trees in his garden orchard, he now has hundreds planted in acres of orchards at Wigginton Farm at St Martins near Oswestry.
He and wife, Debbie, produce their own, Hare Moon cider, which has become popular in pubs and other outlets in the area.
It is a big change from the family dairy farm Mr Younger grew up on.
"When my Dad retired it coincided with us selling the dairy herd as we could not carry on with dairy on a small scale - the farm is only 80 acres.
"We went into cattle and recently the market for beef has also suffered. I have always made my own cider at home, just for myself and friends said it would good cider."
About four years ago he began to plant apple trees on his fields with a press and bottling machinery in a converted barn.
"We have planted about 200 new trees a year, cider varieties such as Dabinett, Harry Masters Jersey, Browns, Langworthy and Kingston Black. They are grown on organic land, free of sprays and fertiliser."
He said that the apple harvest that is now looming was very labour intensive.
"It is hard work but it is very enjoyable."
The Hare Moon name is taken from the hares that live in the orchards at Wiggington Farm.
"They enjoy the shelter and windfalls the apple trees provide," Mr Younger said.
