Balfron is gearing up to celebrate the abundance of autumn with an Apple Day event this weekend. The occasion, organised by volunteers from Balfron Community Orchard, aims to showcase the village orchard and raise awareness about its importance. Activities at the Apple Day will include apple pressing, tree adoption, and an apple baking contest. Participants can also learn about pruning techniques, biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on the green space near Weaver’s Winnel.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 19, from 11 am to 3 pm, the community event precedes National Apple Day on Monday, October 21, which honours the diversity of apple varieties and their heritage. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own apples for pressing and containers to carry home the freshly squeezed juice. For a donation starting at £1, attendees can adopt one of the 60-plus apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees in the orchard.
Amateur bakers are invited to enter their best apple-inspired cakes and pies into a contest, while there will also be opportunities for apple identification for those seeking to learn more about specific apple types. The Balfron orchard was initially planted by Stirling Council between 2013 and 2015 and has since been maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers. The fruits harvested from the orchard are donated to Balfron’s Phone Box Food Exchange to help combat food waste.
The small team of volunteers responsible for the orchard is keen to welcome more villagers to join their efforts in nurturing the orchard and increasing fruit production. The Apple Day promises to be a fun-filled and educational event for all ages, celebrating the natural treasures of the season in a picturesque setting.