Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB) marked its first apple day in October 2017 with hundreds of people from the local community, staff and patients coming together to get outdoors to celebrate the humble apple.

The free event featured entertainment and an abundance of apple related activities for all the family, including apple juicing, competitions and an orchard trail around the hospital’s 100 fruit trees.

Held near the Main Entrance to QEHB, alongside the regular Farmers Market, visitors were able to discover many of the Trust’s green spaces including the woodland walk, food growing space and wildflower meadow.

Freshly pressed apple juice was also on offer to visitors, alongside Green Ape’s Bicycle Smoothie Maker that allowed children and adults to pedal their way to create a delicious fruity drink.

Planted in 2015, by groups of volunteers and hospital staff, QEHB hosts one of ten community orchards across Birmingham planted as part of the ‘Helping Britain Blossom’ initiative, led by national charity The Orchard Project.

The day’s events saw families build bee-hotels to boost wildlife on the hospital grounds, and play games such as the ‘Human Fruit Machine’, as heard on BBC Radio 4’s, The Archers.

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.

“Events such as apple day really bring people together in a healthy and fun way. Together, we want to help Birmingham and Britain blossom.”

Entertainment was provided by local Brummie poet and musician, Spoz, who authored many poems for those attending. Birmingham Friends of the Earth and Martineau Gardens also attended to highlight their community gardens, projects and campaigns for a better, greener environment for all.