Do you know your Hens’ Turds from your Jackets and Waistcoats? Is there any truth in the old saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Visit Westonbirt Arboretum on Apple Day on October 8th and discover all there is to know about the humble fruit.
This apple extravaganza aims to introduce people to the fascinating history and customs surrounding one of Britain’s best-loved fruits.
Take a trip down the apple trail and digest lots of fascinating facts, taste all sort of unusual varieties, join in lots of creative play, enter the "longest peel" competition, and have a fruity, fun-packed, family day out.
Apple Day gets under way at 10.30am and ends at 4pm on Saturday 8th October, and it’s suitable for anyone aged 4 or older. Westonbirt Arboretum’s usual admission charges apply, which are £7.50 adults, £1 children and £14 family. For more information, visit www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt, or call the arboretum on 01666 881220.
Apples are part of our heritage here in the West Country, so go and enjoy this year’s harvest. Pip Pip!
Meanwhile, here are some fascinating fruity facts:
- The largest apple ever grown weighed more than 3lbs.
- Apple pips taste bitter because they contain tiny amounts of cyanide - but not enough to be harmful.
- It takes about 50 leaves to produce the energy needed to grow one apple.
- The group name ‘Malus’ is derived from the Latin word for evil and is based on the belief that the forbidden fruit picked by Eve in the Garden of Eden was an apple.
- Apples have been proven to reduce the risk of certain cancers and protect the brain from the type of damage that triggers such diseases as Alzheimer’s.
NOTES TO EDITOR:
- Westonbirt Arboretum is renowned worldwide for its tree and shrub collection. Today the collection contains about 18,000 specimens in total, including almost half of those woody plants known to grow in the temperate climate zone, and covering some 600 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Indeed, unlike many arboreta, Westonbirt was laid out in 1829 for aesthetic appeal by its founder, Robert Holford, rather than for scientific or geographical reasons. Its importance is recognised by the English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historical Interest as a Grade 1 Listed Landscape. Visitors today can enjoy a relaxing and unique day out amongst some of the tallest, oldest and rarest trees and shrubs in the country.
- Westonbirt Arboretum possesses one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the country. First planted in the mid-nineteenth century by wealthy aristocrat Robert Staynor Holford, it was further developed and cared for by his son, Sir George Holford, until his death in 1926. Both men combined their love of plants with an eye for design and it was their skill in planting that resulted in the superb landscapes that visitors enjoy today. Of particular renown are the Japanese maples that provide the backbone to one of the finest displays of autumn colour to be seen.
- 2006 is the 50th anniversary of the National Arboretum’s management being taken over by the Forestry Commission in 1956, which gave public access to the grounds for the first time as well as providing the benefits of education, recreation and conservation. The year 2006 is a double celebration for Westonbirt Arboretum – marking both 50 years of Forestry Commission management and the 21 st anniversary of The Friends, the registered charity established to support the Forestry Commission in the upkeep and development of the Arboretum.
- More than 350,000 visitors a year now visit the arboretum, many taking part in the range of events and courses that are organised throughout the year. As well a well-stocked plant centre and shop, Maples restaurant provides a range of good food with indoor and terrace dining areas.
- The Forestry Commission is supported in its management of the arboretum by the charity, The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum. Their headquarters in The Great Oak Hall provides wedding and conference facilities as well as an information point for visitors. Membership of The Friends is open to everyone and includes free entry to the arboretum as well as a range of other benefits.