The National Trust Supports the Plant and Protect Campaign

SWINDON, England, April 18, 2011 - The National Trust is supporting the Plant and Protect campaign which has
been launched by Copella.

As English apple growth declines, new independent research has
highlighted how out of touch with their heritage varieties Britons are. The
study of over 1,000* Britons commissioned by apple juice experts, Copella,
has revealed that over three quarters of the population (76%) think that the
Granny Smith is an English variety - when in fact, it's Australian.

The study also revealed that only 11% of Britons are able to identify
English apple varieties from a list of names and 45% of Britons buy apples
based on perfect looks alone.

Ironically, those in Northern Ireland and Scotland were the most
successful at identifying English apples (28% and 23% respectively) compared
to their English counterparts. People in Birmingham were the least successful
at identifying the English apple from a line-up (7%), However,,65% of Britons
are actively concerned about the plight of English apple varieties.

The news comes as recent apple market data has revealed that the iconic
Cox, as well as over 50 other traditional English apple varieties, are in
decline and could face potential extinction due to a lack of consumer demand
for them; as the 'apple a day' mantra results in the pursuit of more
aesthetically pleasing varieties.

To reverse this decline and get consumers re-engaged with great tasting
English heritage apple varieties they have forgotten about, juice experts
Copella have launched the 'Plant and Protect' campaign with the support of
David Bellamy and the National Trust - with the ultimate aim of getting
consumers planting and protecting English apple trees themselves.

The campaign calls on Britons to support the wide range of English apple
varieties by asking them to pledge their support for English apples. For
every pledge, Copella will make a donation to support the planting and
protecting of apples at English National Trust orchards.

In 1972, there were 55,000 acres of eating apple orchards (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-chl/w-countryside_environment/w-nature
/w-nature-orchards-spring.htm); by 2010 this had fallen to 4,886 acres.
Copella aims to change this, with the support of the National Trust, whose
orchards around the country allow visitors to see and experience apples local
to their area.

Dr David Bellamy explained: "With more and more scary information about
the heritage of the English apples, please join me in this battle, a battle
that must be won. With the UK's help and the vision of Copella and the
National Trust, we are going do just that. The National Trust cares for some
of our most wonderful houses (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-kinveredgerockhouses) and estates
(www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-buscot_coleshill), some of which
boast wonderful orchards, buzzing with biodiversity and sustainability. What
a team. "

Copella brand manager, Meena Nagarajan said: "We hope that our Plant and
Protect campaign will inspire people to think more about and enjoy the full
range of English apple varieties. All Britons can show their support for
national apples - whether it's planting an endangered variety in your garden,
or pledging support for the campaign."

Chris Groves, orchard officer from The National Trust explained: "We're
excited to be working with Copella, who is just as passionate as us about
championing English Apple varieties available."

About the National Trust:

The National Trust is a charity (
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-trust/w-thecharity.htm) with a
statutory duty to preserve places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland
'of historic interest and natural beauty for the benefit of the nation'.

As Europe's largest conservation charity it protects over 350 historic
houses, 160 gardens, 1,100 kilometres of coastline, 254,000 hectares of land
of outstanding natural beauty, six World Heritage Sites, 28 castles and 60
pubs, including many places to visit in London - and give access to them for
people to enjoy.

Notes to Editors

* The research for Copella Apple Juice was carried out between 31/03/2011
and 04/04/2011 by Opinion Matters. Sample: 1008 Adults

    PR Contact:
    Jeannette Heard
    Press Officer
    National Trust
    Heelis
    Kemble Drive
    Swindon
    SN2 2NA
    +44(0)1793-817706
    www.nationaltrust.org.uk

PR Contact: Jeannette Heard, Press Officer, National Trust, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon, SN2 2NA, +44(0)1793-817706