Tatton Park’s annual Apple Day has been cancelled for the first time in 24 years after extreme weather and increased pest activity left organisers short of fruit to share with visitors.
The event in Cheshire will not take place this October following a significantly reduced harvest from the estate’s collection of about 300 apple and pear trees.
Head gardener Simon Tetlow said prolonged summer drought had created one of the most challenging growing seasons the team had experienced.
He said the cancellation highlighted the challenges climate change posed for sustainable fruit growing.