Our retreat is situated in the grounds of Iwood Manor which has 2 small orchards of great significance. In 2016 the Sheppey Cider Family collected over 6 tons of apples from these orchards to celebrate their to 200 years of making cider through 6 generations, contributing to their Old Conky, a full-flavoured medium cider.
Apple Day is a celebration dedicated to apples and the importance of orchards in British culture. It originated in the UK and is observed on October 21st each year. The event was initiated by the charity Common Ground in 1990 to raise awareness about the value of local orchards, biodiversity, and the cultural heritage linked to apples.
Key Points About Apple Day:
- Purpose: The main goal is to promote awareness of apples’ diversity, highlight the importance of local apple varieties, and encourage the conservation of orchards, which are vital for wildlife and local communities.
- Events: Across the UK, people celebrate Apple Day with events such as apple tastings, orchard tours, apple pressing (to make juice or cider), educational activities, and even cooking competitions using apples.
- Celebration of Local Varieties: Apple Day also encourages people to discover and appreciate lesser-known, locally grown apple varieties instead of focusing only on mass-market types like Granny Smith or Red Delicious.
- Community Focus: The event brings communities together, encouraging people to connect with local farmers, support sustainable agriculture, and protect the environment.
Apple Day has become a popular celebration, not only in the UK but also in other countries, reflecting a growing interest in local food, sustainability, and biodiversity.
Iwood Health, Wrington 