We will have a good Apple Day this year. The crop is sufficiently heavy, the June drop was not significant enough to diminish the crop and the survived the rabbits.
However, this year the summer has been so hot and sunny that, as with all farming throughout the country, the apple harvest is 2-3 weeks early. Blossom was full in April rather than mid May and there was maximum fruit set and very little June drop. As a result, and in response to the heat, many of the varieties are dropping early, in particular the Bramley's at the end of August, instead of early October. The apples are very much smaller than usual, they look a bit strange! Many, obviously, can't be eaten but luckily villagers are enjoying picking and eating the early and bigger varieties in the orchard. There is no doubt that climate change is affecting all farming in the UK.
