BIRMINGHAM'S FIRST APPLE DAY

27-10-2006

Today is Birmingham's first Apple Day - and you can join in the celebrations at the launch of the city's only community orchard.

Apple Day has been running for several years in other parts of the country, but until now, not in the West Midlands -a bit surprising, really, when you think that so much of the conurbation traditionally fell into Worcestershirewhich always yields a bumper crop of Britain's mainstaywinter fruit.

Making up for lost time, the residents of Cotteridge, will bemarking the occasion this afternoon, by planting their own orchard. It has been a real community effort, as they clubbed together to buy a neglected patch of land in their local park, and have then worked hard to clear away the rubble.

There will be more than 50 varities of apple available to taste and the first trees will be planted in the orchard.

All are welcome to take part. The planting is at 3.15pm.

(Cotteridge Park is off Franklin Road).