THE idyllic setting of the orchard at Willock Farm in Wisbech St Mary will be the venue for as special Apple Day on Saturday September 19, from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free and it is a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about apples, orcha

THE idyllic setting of the orchard at Willock Farm in Wisbech St Mary will be the venue for as special Apple Day on Saturday September 19, from 10am to 4pm.

Admission is free and it is a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about apples, orchards, wildlife and conservation on the farm.

The original orchard was planted about 100 years ago top provide fruit throughout the season.

It covers 22 acres and contains about 2,700 trees. David Wheatley, the farm's owner, is restoring the orchards and it is now fully organic. Sheep graze the land throughout the year.

The event has been an annual fixture for the past five years and has gradually been growing in popularity.

Anyone interested in fruit trees and orchards will be able to get help and advice from members of the East of England Apples and Orchard Project (EEAOP). Other organisations at the event will include Fenland District Council's environment and recycling teams and the RSPB.

Willock Farm, in Rummers Lane, Wisbech St Mary, is host to the East of England Regional Collection of fruit, consisting of 250 varieties of apples, pears, plums and cherries.

Most of the farm's apples end up as apple juice and visitors will be able to sample a selection made by the Stamford Juice Company. Home-made cakes made from fruit from the orchards will also be on sale.

The whole farm occupies 70 acres and also contains grassland and woodland. Footpaths link all the routes and a nature trail will be set up around the site.

For more details of the event, call David Wheatley on 01945 419035.