Apples

Teachers looking for an event to support learning in Science and Food Technology this October might like to take a class to the Great Yorkshire Showground for National Apple Day.

The Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate has its own orchard, and on Tuesday 18th October this outdoor space will be used to host a number of apple-related workshops for over 200 children. The first event of this kind took place in 2015.

The orchard has 16 different varieties of apple that make up the Yorkshire Heritage Collection, including Flower of the Town, Ribston Pippin and Dog’s Snout.

As well as learning all about apple growing and the different UK varieties, pupils will be given the chance to juice apples, taste them, cook with them and put their crafting skills to the test with activities using recycled materials. 

The event will also raise awareness of where food comes from, and can be used to support learning in Science and Food Technology.

The event is free, and based on the success of last year’s event, is expected to be popular, so places are limited to a maximum of 30 pupils per school.

Teachers should contact Di Kirkman, the education co-ordinator, on dik@yas.co.uk for more information.

More about National Apple Day

National Apple Day recognises the wealth and variety of apples available in the United Kingdom, and was first started in 1990 by Common Ground in Covent Garden.

The following year it launched nationwide with over 50 events ranging from apple roadshows, grafting classes and village hall markets, and by 2000 the day was celebrated in over 600 events around the country.

National Apple Day at the Great Yorkshire Showground 2015

Pupils from Pickhill CE Primary School near Bedale were some of the first to join in Yorkshire Agricultural Society's Apple Day celebrations in 2015.

Pupils Josh Snowdon, aged nine, said about the day: “It’s been really interesting, we’ve learnt loads… like there are more than 7,000 varieties of apples and each time we plant a pip a new variety evolves. And the apples taste good too!”

More about the Great Yorkshire Showground

The Great Yorkshire Showground is situated on the outskirts of Harrogate. The site covers 250 acres, and is home to a main grandstand and show-ring, housing for cattle, sheep, pigs and other livestock, multi-purpose conference and exhibition halls, and dining facilities.

The showground hosts a number of agricultural events throughout the year, many that are able to support learning outside the classroom. The most famous event is the Great Yorkshire Show that takes place each July.

For further information visit greatyorkshireshow.co.uk.