Several trees at Llanblethian Orchards were re-staked on Saturday, after storms throughout autumn last year caused them to lean or fall.

Owner and cider-producer Alex Simmons was helped by members of Cardiff CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to dig up and re-plant the trees.

The crucial work has prevented further damage to the trees and will allow them to fruit – meaning Alex can make more cider.

"I've been waiting because it's a job I couldn't really do on my own," said Alex.

"We've had such bad storms over the autumn the last few years that have knocked down a hell of a lot of trees and did a bit of damage.

"It's quite aggravating and it's difficult to know what to do, to do your best for social distancing outside.

"I have been putting off all the jobs as much as I can and I usually get a lot more volunteers to help me in the autumn, but it's different this year.

"I have been mostly on my own so it's been quite a tiring time. Hopefully things get better, he said.

Alex is now hopeful that the weather remains calm until the roots are established in the soil, and has also planted some new varieties of fruit trees in his orchards.

"I planted some by the entrance, I didn't have any high-quality bittersweet so I planted a whole pile of new varieties," said Alex.

"I'm try and find something they'll grow well in the area. We're quite damp in in South Wales compared to Hereford or the other cidermaking counties. So, we need trees that are a bit more resistant down here.

"I've got an old commercial cidermaking book and it shows the country's rainfall patterns and where you can plant or where you can't.

"We're pretty much on the outskirts in the Vale of Glamorgan, where the rainfall range is a bit too much.

"The damp weather allows diseases to occur, such as fungal diseases. I don't spray at all, so I try and find disease resistant varieties, as some just can't take it," he said.

Visit the Llanblethian Orchards shop HERE .