Apple Day called off after poor harvest
It is the first time the event has been cancelled in 24 years.
Tatton Park's annual Apple Day has been called off for the first time in 24 years due to a poor harvest, marking one of the most challenging growing seasons the estate has faced. The event in Cheshire, which typically celebrates the start of autumn, will not take place this October as the orchards yielded a significantly reduced amount of fruit from their collection of about 300 apple and pear trees.
Extreme weather and increased pest activity were cited as the main culprits behind the diminished harvest, leaving organizers short of fruit to share with visitors. Head gardener Simon Tetlow highlighted the impact of prolonged summer drought on the challenging season, emphasizing that the cancellation underscores the challenges posed by climate change for sustainable fruit growing.
Despite the setback, Tetlow revealed that the gardening team is already adapting crop selection, planting locations, and cultivation methods to enhance resilience in future seasons. Organizers expressed hope that Apple Day could return in 2027.
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