For more than three decades in Riverton, Southland, Robert and Robyn Guyton have been preserving heritage apple varieties from old orchards across the region. The couple has collected, planted, grafted, and grown more than 400 varieties that might otherwise have been lost.

Their work began after they moved to Southland 40 years ago and started exploring historic farming properties. As some orchards were neglected or removed during the dairy expansion in the early 2000s, they began collecting material from old trees and learning how to propagate the varieties.

“The trees were still going, and we thought, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be great if we could learn how to take cuttings from those varieties, graft them onto new disease-resistant root stock and save these orchards?'”

Both teachers by trade, the Guytons taught themselves propagation and grafting techniques. Farmers supported the work, partly because preserved varieties could be returned to the properties where they originated.

The couple has also preserved heritage plums and pears. Each year, they hold a fruit tree sale, selling about 800 trees to buyers across New Zealand. “Tens of thousands of trees have gone out into the Southland environment. So, the number of orchards in Southland now is high.”

Their work has contributed to the establishment of 14 community-led orchards across Southland. The couple’s search for heritage trees has also extended to Central Otago, Dunedin, and Kaikōura, although they continue to focus mainly on Southland.

The Guytons also established Riverton’s not-for-profit Environment Centre, which began in their garage and now sells local and organic produce. Their work connecting consumers with local producers also led to the Longwood Loop, a mobile shopping service for people in the area.

The preservation effort provides a local source of planting material for heritage varieties while maintaining genetic diversity within regional fruit production.




Frontpage photo:
© Melica | Dreamstime



Source: farmersweekly.co.nz



Publication date:

Tue 25 Aug 2026