Volunteers at Rivers Heritage Site and Orchard in plea after thieves strip Bramley apple trees of fruit

Volunteers at the historic Rivers Heritage Site and Orchard in Sawbridgeworth have renewed their appeal for people to stop stealing apples.

The plea from the orchard first went out last year when thieves stripped all of the Bramley apple trees of their fruit.

A statement from the orchard, which dates back to the 18th century, said the thefts prevent it from raising money.

“We need the fruit to make into juice [to sell]. It’s the profit from the juice that enables the volunteers to maintain the orchard,” said the statement.

“Please remember we are happy for people to pick the fruit on Apple Day.”