A NATIONAL Trust site in Wrexham is to host all manner of activities to celebrate its 29th apple harvest celebration.

The popular event at Erddig returns on October 5 with a packed programme full to the brim with all things apple.

Harvest highlights include cider press demonstrations on October 26 and 27, a fungal foray with Ian Staniforth on October 22, apple display talks every Tuesday at 1.15pm, tree carving with Ian Williams on Mondays and for the first time, afternoon tea with the head gardener on October 18 at 2pm.

The midweek themed days return with Foodie Friday being the pick of the crop.

The historic ovens have been serviced and there will be two opportunities to enjoy a baking demonstration in the house with Erddig Cook, Chris Nicholson.

He said: “I’ll be baking apple scones, our seasonal twist on the classic British treat and will have some samples for visitors to try.

“Thankfully, we’ve adapted the ovens with electricity to heat them, otherwise I’d have to be in at the crack of dawn to light them ready for the demonstrations.”

The scent of apple scones will be drifting through the Bakery and below stairs at Erddig on October 11 and 25 for demonstrations at 12:30pm and 2pm.

Visitors can also book in to join a special Erddig dessert taster session on those dates, where Chris will craft his pick of the crop of traditional apple desserts for cream tea with an apple twist.

The delicious desserts included in the pre-bookable taster sessions are traditional apple recipes formerly baked at Erddig.

The restaurant’s ‘Squire’s shortbread’, made with condensed milk has had an apple makeover this autumn.

The last Squire loved condensed milk and this version of the cake includes a layer of apple caramel on an apple crumble base and glazed apple decoration.

Throughout the month, visitors will be able to enjoy the garden team’s impressive apple display in the Tractor Shed.

More than 180 apple varieties are grown at Erddig.

Not all produce fruit each year, but the sensory spectacle of more than 150 different varieties all labelled and in rustic baskets, is worthy of a visit alone.

Felin Puleston Mill will open to the public for free on Saturday 12 October for an Erddig Grow community event for a fun-filled day of arts, crafts, sports, gardening and music.

The team will be celebrating the transformation of Felin into a green haven for the community, a place for wildlife and people, where everyone can enjoy the wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.

Drop in between 10am and 3pm at Felin Puleston Mill on the edge of the Erddig estate just off Hafod Road, LL13 7RF.

For pre-bookable events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/Erddig/whats-on