Apple Day at Frank P Matthews

A celebration of the British apple, Apple Day is held every year on 21st October across the UK. Linking the apple with the orchard affirms our reliance on the land and the importance of a healthy relationship with nature. The apple is our most versatile fruit and there are thousands of home-grown varieties. Sadly, beautiful orchards rich in biodiversity are in decline due to neglect, development or conversion to intensive farming. Created by conservation charity Common Ground, the inaugural Apple Day event was held in Covent Garden’s Apple Market in 1990. It was the first time in sixteen years that fruit had been brought to the market and thousands attended.

And so, the tradition of Apple Day began. Year after year across the UK, many villages, charities, nurseries and societies support this special day, raising awareness of the importance of orchards, the impact we have on nature and valuing the links between food and the land. Participants enjoy a fun-filled day of fruit, games and creative activities.

At the Frank P Matthews Tree Shop, we are very excited to be hosting our first Apple Day event this year. As one of the largest and longest standing tree production nurseries in the UK, we are proud to be celebrating this special day. We will have multiple creative apple displays, juice tasting and freshly picked apples to buy.There will be talks on our apple orchards and apple pressing for juice, plus experts on hand to identify apples growing in your garden (just bring along three apples if you can). It’s going to be a real family affair, with village fête style games like skittles and apple bobbing. Bring a picnic or purchase snacks and refreshments from Frank’s Kitchen.There will also be a special offer on apple trees to buy on the day.

This is a free event and there is plenty of parking – we hope to see you on Saturday 21st October, 10am–3pm. More info on Apple Day at www.commonground.org.uk/apple-day.