The humble apple will be the source of scrumptious celebrations this month as enthusiasts gather in bushels for Apple Day events across the country.

On October 21 apples and orchards are the subject of events large and small, from apple games to cookery demonstrations, apple identification to gardening advice. The day was founded by Common Ground, a charity which aims to support local distinctiveness, in 1990, as a way of promoting local produce and highlighting the hundreds of apple varieties which are ignored in favour of a handful of supermarket-friendly strains.

Birlinn is publishing Ciderland just in time for Apple Day; a deliciously comprehensive summaryof every cider and cider producer in the West Country, covering topics such as cider folk traditions and remedies. The book places cider making firmly within the local culture and is therefore the ideal token of celebration for Apple Day.