26 Nature Notes Lots to enjoy in the Great Outdoors


The long, hot summer has finally given way to the autumn storms and the blackberry glut signals the start of nature’s harvest and the season for food, festivals and foraging. Nature is beginning her preparations for the winter, leaves are beginning to fall, animals are preparing their winter stores and migratory birds are disappearing off to warmer climes.


In the garden


● Clean out the nest boxes ready for new inhabitants.


● After the winds subside hunt out the prickly green case of the horse chestnut which when opened reveal the shiny brown conkers within.


● Make a woodpile in a shady part of the garden to create a hedgehog home for hibernation and don’t forget to check for the little prickly creatures before light- ing any bonfire piles!


Apples & pears!


The West Country is famous for its orchards and at this time of the year the trees are laden with fruit. Here are some fruity dates for the diary:


6 OCTOBER Hunts Cider Festival Broadleigh Farm, Stoke Gabriel Live Music – Food and Drink – Over 18s only. www.huntscider.co.uk


7 OCTOBER Sharpham Apple Day The Sharpham Estate, Ashprington A host of apple-themed activities for all the family, including storytelling, walks, arts and crafts and games. Try fresh apple juice grown at Sharpham’s organic orchard – straight from the press – or bring your own apples to juice. Free event. 10.30am – 4pm. www. sharphamtrust.org


9 & 23 OCTOBER Picking Parties! Dartmouth Community Orchard Check website for details www. dartmouthcommunityorchard.co.uk


14 OCTOBER Apple Day Cockington Court, Torquay 10am – 4pm. A range of appley activities for all the family – live music from local bands as well as a range of stalls from local businesses and food stalls. No booking necessary. www.cockingtoncourt.org


28 OCTOBER


Apple Pressing Day Dartmouth Community Orchard 12 noon – 3pm.


29 OCTOBER All things Apple Dartington Learn about apple tree care, planting, growing then discover the different tastes and treats to be made from this wonderful fruit; ciders, vinegars, juicing, pickling, preserving. 10am – 4pm. Booking essential - £50 includes lunch with cider. crafted@ dartington.org


Orchard Link is a volunteer run, not for profit association run by and for orchard, apple and cider enthusiasts in South Devon. The organisation offers technical advice, events and promotes restoration and planting of orchards and the conservation of traditional local fruit varieties. Pressing equipment for hire. Link to all local community orchards including Dartmouth and Cornworthy


Harvest Line is open ! Do you have lots of apples to spare? Or do you need lots of apples for juicing or cider making? If the answer is Yes – check out this online open noticeboard for anyone in Devon to link up. Open from August – November 2018. www.orchardlink.org.uk


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