Local Events  

Russet red, sunset orange and deep purple …. orchards nationwide will soon be brimming with ripe succulent fruits, ready for the picking. This year, Greys Court near Henley invites everyone to celebrate the best British autumnal fruits and berries at ‘Apple Day’. 

‘Apple Day’ aims to raise awareness of the plight of the orchard. Hundreds of traditional orchards have been lost in the last century due to the intensification of food production.  Campaigners The National Trust and environmental charity Common Ground, have saved and restored many of Britain’s fruit orchards, but they are still under threat. 

This event highlights the wonderful benefits of growing and tasting traditional, local varieties of fruit such as apples Charles Ross and Lane’s Prince Albert. There is simply no comparison with foreign imports like French Golden Delicious!  Orchards are also invaluable as habitats to many species of wildlife.  

On 18 September, garden staff at Greys Court are inviting people to sample the delights of some of Britain’s oldest apple varieties, grown in the property’s organic orchard.  Over 16 different types will be on offer, including the unusual-sounding (but delicious) Beauty of Bath, Egremont Russett and Laxton’s Fortune.  Expert advice on apple growing, including pruning, composting, pest and disease control, are also in the day’s programme, with the opportunity to sample and buy freshly-picked fruit.

Visitors to the orchards can also see pear, plum, greengage and fig trees, as well as vines – the fruits of which are used daily in the property’s tea room. Local fruit products such as chutneys, cakes, pickles and jams are also on sale, together with plants, flowers and vegetables, including pumpkins – perfect for October! Heritage Fruit Trees are attending the event, selling, and offering advice on, local apple varieties.  

Children love ‘Apple Day’ at Greys Court, and many return year after year to take part in apple-related activities, such as ‘guess the number of apples in the barrow’, and ‘the longest peel’ competition, as well as ‘creepy crawly crown-making’ and ‘bumblebee windspinners’.  

Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9 4PG

 ‘Apple Day’: 18 September, 12-5pm, normal admission charge plus £2 for additional activities.

For further press information: Joanna Crosse, press office, 07790 435951, joanna.crosse0@gmail.com.