Time to give Buckland Abbey’s apple trees a rude awakening

Grab pans, pots and other noisy objects as Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate invite you to make as much noise as possible within the estate’s ancient orchard at their annual wassail.

On Saturday 10 January, from 6pm to 8pm, join staff and volunteers, the Buckland Food Growers and local Morris dancers to scare away the spirits surrounding the orchard and wake up all the trees to ensure a good crop of apples for the year ahead.

Richard Burrow, Visitor Experience Officer for Buckland Abbey says: ‘The annual wassail has always been a key date in our calendar. This free event is a fantastic opportunity to get together with the local community and the Buckland Food Growers to celebrate an ancient tradition and taste some delicious apple treats.’

In January 2011, the Buckland Food Growers took over the custodianship of the orchard within the grounds of the National Trust property near Yelverton. Since then, each member of the group has worked hard to ensure that the orchard’s 45 apple trees produce a good crop of apples in the autumn.

On average the Buckland Food Growers produce 1000 litres of apple juice and cider each year and, as well as caring for the orchard, they also look after bee hives, pigs, allotments and chickens.

Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate reopen for the 2015 season on Saturday 14 February.

For more details on opening times and events visit their website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland