Do you know your Rosemary Russet from your Red Devil? Or your Pitmaston Pineapple from your White Banana?

Well, they’re all varieties of apple, in fact, some of them are growing under our very noses at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).

QEHB is home to over 100 fruit trees, apples, pears, plums and cherries. You’d be forgiven for not noticing, because the fruit trees are still young, but we’re keen to create a bit of a buzz around them and involve you.

What’s more, amongst the orchards we have wildflower areas that attract pollinating insects, like bees.

You might ask; “Why have orchards at a hospital?”. Well, we’re convinced that the benefits are plenty. It provides fresh fruit to passers-by, it gives a wonderful setting to sit and relax or walk through. It also gives an opportunity for the community to work together with a common goal.

Planted in 2015, by a group of volunteers and hospital staff, we’re host to one of ten community orchards across Birmingham planted as part of the ‘Helping Britain Blossom’ initiative, led by national charity The Orchard Project.

On Wednesday 25 October 2017 from 09:00 – 15:00, QEHB will be hosting Apple Day.

Held near the Main Entrance to QEHB, alongside the regular Farmers Market, staff, visitors, families and the local community able to build bee-hotels, play games and sample heritage apple varieties.

You’ll be able to pedal to make your own drink on the Bicycle Smoothie Maker, or have a go at the longest peel competition. There will be a covered seating area too so families are welcome to bring a picnic.

Local poet Spoz, will host, and for fans of BBC radio’s The Archers, you can also play the human fruit machine.

The Orchard Project’s Alistair Waugh, based at QEHB, said: “We believe that orchards are a powerful way to bring people together to create green spaces and build healthier, happier and more sustainable communities.

“There’s something magical about fruit trees. Our vision is to share the magic of orchards with communities across the country by helping local people create, restore and access orchards which they can enjoy and use for good. We want to help Birmingham and Britain blossom.”

Everyone is welcome, so if you’d like to get involved contact Alistair Waugh.

Tel: 07751 305 654
Email: alistair@theorchardproject.org.uk