The Big Apple Harvestime celebration will be marking its 30th anniversary this month, with a busy programme planned over two days.

The annual celebration of Marcle Ridge orchard culture takes place this year on October 12 and the following day, with nine venues for locals and hundreds of tourists to visit.

A spokesman said: “This is a real opportunity to enjoy the autumn countryside in this corner of Herefordshire in and around Much Marcle.The Big Apple is a community event celebrating apples and orchards and how they have shaped the picturesque Herefordshire countryside. This Harvestime 2019 marks our 30th anniversary, so come and join our celebrations!

“Each of the nine venues in and around Much Marcle allows you to learn, taste and enjoy.”

The spokesman added: “We have perry and cider making at all scales from small to commercial where the producers can share their knowledge and provide opportunities to sample and buy.

“Come and taste an amazing range of dessert and cooking apples at the Feast of Apples at Hellens and purchase less commercially grown varieties in the Apple Market. If you need help in identifying your own garden varieties the Marcher Apple Network will be on hand to help.”

As part of our 30th celebrations, there are two talks at the historic Much Marcel manor house of Hellens on Sunday October 13.

In the first talk local fruitgrower, Norman Stanier, looks back into the records on geology, history and natural history from Woolhope Naturalists’ Field Club and the legacy they provide.

In the second, Apples in a Warmer World, Professor Paul Hadley talks about his research looking at “the impact of climate change on future UK apple production”.

Further details: https://www.bigapple.org.uk/harvest2019/