Scrumping!

Well alright we didn't actually go scrumping (stealing apples!), but we did head out into the sticks to a beautiful orchard and pick a truck load of the tastiest apples I have ever encountered. We then paid for said apples! Increasing numbers of young children have absolutely no idea where food comes from, they are used to the supermarket providing all their requirements. A visit to a local 'pick your own' farm is a fantastic opportunity to educate youngsters on the variety of produce harvested each year. 

The rain was positively lashing down when we arrived and, unsurprisingly, we were the only ones bold enough to head into the orchard and start sizing up our apples. They were preparing to shut up shop (replace the boundary fence and prevent vehicle access), but agreed to hang on while we filled our bags to the brim. 

After stowing our pomaceous fruit in the car, we headed off down to the river for a stroll. There were deep puddles everywhere and, with the boys kitted out Norwegian style in all the latest waterproof accessories, we allowed them to splash to their hearts content. Puddles and kids are simply the best of friends. 

A couple of weeks later we headed back with some friends and picked some equally delicious fruit. This time the weather was kinder and we were able to explore the area in more detail. One of my children found a badgers sett under a tree. 

The badger, who dug this hole, knew exactly what he was doing - tonnes of fruit on tap for a good couple of months. Badger setts can run for hundreds of metres and accommodate several animals. Not many people realise that the humble Badger is the largest UK carnivore, much heavier than the average fox and adult males have been known to weigh in at 15 - 20 kilos, the biggest ever caught was as round as a beer barrel and weighed more like 30 kilos! Take a look at this clip for an idea of who is the daddy when Mr Fox meets Mr Badger http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfZkuMfQdHU 

At this time of year badgers continue to feed as much as possible to ensure they store adequate fat reserves ready for winter. Badgers don't fully hibernate, but they do sleep a lot more and during the coldest parts of winter it is rare for them to leave the sett. 

We planted a couple of small apple trees in our garden last year and they have produced a few pieces of fruit, but nothing compared to the ridiculously laden branches of the trees in this orchard. You always need two apple trees in close proximity or there is less chance of generating fruit. Apple trees (genus Malus, which means wicked in latin and seemingly someone has been reading a bit too much snow white!) will not self-pollinate but that doesn't mean you must have a pair right next to each other. Often a neighbour will have a tree or two kicking about in the garden or even in a pot on the patio, which is good enough when the insects come calling. 

I do love autumn. The multitude of falling colours signals the start of colder times, but tied up with the oranges and browns we find the sweet, sugary taste of blackberries and apples. Who doesn't like apple and blackberry crumble? Then the children have all the excitement of halloween and bonfire night, before the big one - Christmas - enters the fray. Every season is beautiful and special in a different way.