Crow Sister, that is a wonderful song - I wonder what the tune was.

Will, the answer to the grubbing up of orchards is for people to plant their own apple trees - even if it's just a couple of compatible ones on dwarfing rootstock. There are suppliers around who still have many of the old varieties that just aren't commercially viable but taste amazing.

I planted a small orchard of half a dozen apples, a greengage and a damson, a quince and a couple of hazels and it is (after 7 tears) incredibly productive. Plus, of course, the blossom is as enjoyable as the fruit and it's also just a delightful place to go and sit, night and day.