Today is British Apple Day.
Common Ground, a Dorset-based charity focused on community conservation and environmental education in England, launched Apple Day with the intention for it to be both a celebration and a demonstration of the variety we are in danger of losing.
The first British Apple Day was held on this day in 1990, in the old Apple Market in London’s Covent Garden, bringing fruit to the market after a 16-year absence.
At TCV, we want to celebrate the day by telling you about the Community Orchard in Longcroft Park, Worthing.
The Community Orchard is part of our Growing Communities project in Adur & Worthing, supported by other local community groups and Adur & Worthing Councils’ Parks department.
The orchard comprises of 12 trees, covering 6 Sussex varieties of apples:
- Bossom
- Alfriston
- Dr. Hogg
- Saltcote
- Nanny Mareda
- Tinsley Quince
The trees were planted in the spring and will be harvested in 3 years’ time in order to let the trees build a strong root system and healthy canopy.
Eventually juicing, cider making and apple crumbles will be prepared on-site.
To find out more, take a look at Growing Communities magazine which has a feature on the Community Orchard.
Or watch Episode 2 of their Growing Communities podcast which features the Community Orchard.
