This morning I spent some time at the Reeth Community Orchard for their annual Apple Day – a celebration of everything apple and a real showcase of what community spirit looks like in the Dales. The autumn sunshine filtered through the trees, catching the last of the season’s fruit as volunteers and visitors got busy turning apples into juice.
It’s a simple process, but one that feels timeless. First, the apples are chopped into manageable chunks, then fed into the scratter – a noisy bit of kit that grinds them into pulp. From there, the pulp is loaded into the press, where the rich, golden juice begins to flow. The smell of fresh apple fills the air, and it’s impossible not to be drawn in.
People come and go throughout the morning – families with children eager to help turn the press, locals dropping by for a cup of juice, and plenty staying around to sample a few apple-themed bakes. There’s a table laden with cakes, pies, and crumbles, all made with apples from the orchard itself. Every year it feels like the same friendly faces return, each taking quiet pride in how well the trees have done and how much the orchard has grown.
The Reeth Community Orchard is one of those places that feels rooted in the village. It’s cared for by volunteers, nurtured over the years into a space that’s both productive and peaceful. Events like this are more than just about apples – they’re about connection, shared work, and celebrating the changing seasons together.
If you’re nearby this afternoon, the event runs until 3pm. There’s plenty of freshly pressed juice to try, homemade cakes to enjoy, and apples to take home. It’s a lovely way to spend a few hours surrounded by good company and the best of local produce.
