Campaigners are seeking to raise money to buy the property and turn it into a heritage centre, supported by musician Cerys Matthews and Celia Stevens, great granddaughter of Henry Merryweather, who first sold the apple in 1876. The campaign aims to crowdfund £250,000 towards the purchase price.
The tree was planted from a pip by Mary Ann Brailsford in the early 19th century and named after later owner Matthew Bramley. It has been recognised as one of the 50 most important historic trees in Britain but has no legal protection. The Bramley became the only British cooking apple available all year round. The original tree has survived attacks by honey fungus and is still fruiting. Nottingham Trent University has used the cottages as a halls of residence since purchasing it in 2018.