Apple Day Celebrations

In Britain we grow the best apples in the world and over time we have grown or chanced upon over 600 varieties. But it's sad to see that we have lost over two thirds of our orchards in the last 30 years. When we loose orchards we loose more than just trees and fruits we loose varieties particular to locality, recipes, cider, songs, stories, knowledge of planting, grafting, pruning and a great richness of wildlife. Apple Day is about restoring interest in apples and orchards, reflecting on what's happened and what we could do. Hundreds of people across The Forest celebrated Apple Day this year at events at Donington Le Heath Manor House, Ratby Village, Swadlincote Market, Rosliston Forestry Centre, The Ark in Leicester and even the Motorway services on the M1. There was apple tasting, juice making, games, recipes to taste and fun for everyone.