WESTBURY APPLE DAY

RESIDENTS are invited to view and sample six of the most popular varieties of British apple at Westbury Market on Wednesday 5th October. Local resident and apple expert Mike Pearce will be on hand to talk about apples and why we should all have an apple tree growing in our garden. 

From November, Westbury Town Council will have a small number of bare root apple trees to give to residents free of charge on a first come, first serve basis. 

“Although Westbury doesn’t have a community orchard” said Mike Pearce “by planting apple trees in our gardens we can develop a town orchard which is fantastic for insects and pollination as well as producing a good supply of free fruit.” 

The town council say, “We are all familiar with the varieties of apples we see on the shelves of our local supermarket, but most people don’t realise just how many varieties there are of British apples, or indeed, Wiltshire apples. 

“Apple trees can be seen growing in many gardens, open spaces and woodlands. They are deciduous, so they lose their leaves seasonally and a healthy and well cared apple tree can live from 50 to 80 years. 

“Planting an apple tree is a great move. The ultimate in garden trees, apple trees are easy to grow, full of character, and not too big, ideal for the average small garden. As well as bursting into spring with a mass of beautiful pink-white blossom, they provide an abundance of tasty fresh fruit in late summer and autumn which is suitable for cooking, eating or storing once harvested depending on the variety. 

“There are around 45 varieties of native British apples, 10 or 11 are considered native to Wiltshire. It was one of these native Wiltshire varieties, Julia’s Late Golden apple, which was chosen as the county gift to The Late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, and now grows in the grounds of Windsor Castle.” 

For more information about how you can collect an apple tree to plant in your garden, visit Westbury Market on Wednesday October 5th or call the council offices on 01373 822232.