Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, is set to celebrate the rich diversity of British heritage apples on Sunday, 20th October, with its inaugural Apple Day event. As the UK grapples with the dominance of global apple varieties like Gala and Braeburn, which together account for half of British apple sales, this celebration aims to highlight nearly 2,500 local varieties, including the lesser-known Hornsea Herring and Fillingham Pippin.
Launched in 1990 by the charity Common Ground, Apple Day was established to honour the variety and history of this beloved fruit. Since then, it has inspired thousands across the UK to engage with local produce through events featuring apple picking, tastings, games, crafts, and cooking demonstrations. These activities connect growers, historians, and food enthusiasts, encouraging a greater appreciation for the diverse apples that often go unnoticed amid the monotonous selections available in most supermarkets.
Leighton Hall’s historic orchard, which has recently welcomed new saplings representing traditional Lancashire varieties, will serve as the perfect setting for this year’s celebrations. The event, running from 10 am to 3 pm, promises a day filled with family-friendly activities focused on the heritage of traditional orchards, apple varieties, and countryside crafts. Attendees can participate in various hands-on activities, including apple pressing, basket weaving, and campfire cooking, while also enjoying tastings of heritage ciders, juices, bakes, and preserves from local producers at an outdoor market.
The event will bring together conservation groups, local artisans, and nature enthusiasts, including the Bee Club, Food Futures, Coppice Co-op, RSPB, Larksfoot Forest School, and Harrison Ward, known as the “Fell Foodie.” This collaboration aims to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of biodiversity in food production and the critical role orchards play in sustaining wildlife.
Estate manager Lucy Arthurs, representing the Gillow family who have lived in the historic hall for generations, emphasised the urgency of preserving British apple varieties. “It really is crunching time for British apple varieties,” she stated. “Saving them isn’t just a ‘nice thing to do’; it’s essential for food security. Creating a diverse UK orchard network is crucial for supporting our domestic varieties while providing organic, healthy food options with low food miles. Orchards sustain vital wildlife, which is at the core of Leighton’s sustainability commitment.”
To encourage families to participate in the festivities, entry has been subsidised to £4 per adult and £2 for primary school children. With the gardens and woodlands ablaze with autumn colours, Leighton Hall aims to create a vibrant atmosphere for exploration and enjoyment, regardless of the weather.
For more information about the Apple Day event and to plan your visit, please visit www.leightonhall.co.uk.
