Village Apple Day Will Celebrate Region’s Autumn Bounty and Raise Awareness of Local Orchard
An Apple Day in Balfron is set to celebrate the bounty of autumn and raise awareness of a local orchard. Organised by Balfron Community Orchard volunteers, the event scheduled for Saturday, October 19, from 11am to 3pm, aims to engage visitors in apple pressing, tree adoption, and an apple baking contest. The day will also feature information sessions on pruning, biodiversity, and discussions on climate change impact on the environment near Weaver’s Winnel.
The forthcoming celebration, taking place just before National Apple Day on Monday, October 21, is a collaborative effort supported by a Climate Action Hub seed grant from Forth Environment Link in partnership with Balfron Community Council. Attendees are encouraged to bring their apples for pressing and containers to take home their juice. A small donation starting from £1 will enable individuals to adopt one of the 60-plus apple, pear, cherry, and plum trees on the site.
Amateur bakers are invited to showcase their apple-inspired creations, while an apple identification activity is planned for those interested in learning more about different apple varieties. The orchard, initially planted by Stirling Council between 2013 and 2015, is now maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. The fruits harvested from the orchard are donated to Balfron’s Phone Box Food Exchange to reduce food wastage.
The volunteers are seeking more community members to join in caring for the orchard and increasing its harvest. The group is passionate about revitalising the orchard to its full potential, aiming to establish it as a sustainable source of local produce for the village. Through events like the Apple Day, the volunteers hope to not only educate but also foster a stronger connection between residents and their surroundings.
With a focus on expert tree management and biodiversity, the community aims to enhance the orchard’s productivity, making it a shared resource for all. Supported by volunteers from neighbouring villages, the group is committed to preserving and reviving orchards across Stirlingshire. The Apple Day promises to be an engaging and educational experience, offering an opportunity for locals to come together, celebrate, and learn more about their natural environment.