Trust celebrated the apple this autumn (From Falmouth Packet)

Trust celebrated the apple this autumn

3:53pm Monday 15th September 2008 in Walks

TO celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of traditional orchards and apple varieties, the National Trust will be holding various events throughout Devon and Cornwall this September and October.

To highlight the need to conserve traditional apple varieties and to protect orchards for their contribution to the character of local landscapes and their benefit to wildlife, many National Trust properties will be celebrating ‘Apple Day’ this year. Trust staff will be demonstrating the delights of growing and tasting traditional apple varieties. Various activities include guided orchard walks, advice on fruit tree growing, cider and apple juice sampling and displays of rare and unusual apple varieties. Many tea rooms and restaurants will be serving delicious autumnal fruit dishes.

Janet Lister, National Trust Nature Conservation Adviser for Devon and Cornwall says: “In recent decades the number of orchards in Britain has declined dramatically. The Trust is working to revive the fortunes of orchards, which not only provide food for the table, but also good quality habitats for wildlife. Much of our work involves local communities and these events are a great opportunity for even more people to learn about the humble apple and enjoy themselves at the same time.”

Apple Day on 21 October is an annual event founded by the environmental charity Common Ground (1) to raise public awareness of the plight of Britain’s orchards. The National Trust plays a key role in saving and restoring many of our traditional orchards and is working to recapture some of our apple history and customs.

An events listing giving a selection of apple events is available at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events.