SWEET Larks, Pig Snouts and Lady's Fingers at the ready, head over to Cotehele on Sunday (September 21) to share in the tradition of apple-growing and cider-making. The annual Apple Day festival will take place in the orchards of the National Trust house, from 11am to 4pm. Dave Bouch, Cotehele's head gardener, said: 'Apples are always a sign that summer is over and we have an autumn harvest to look forward to. Many traditional orchards have been lost in the last century, so we always look forward to this time of year when we can celebrate apples and remember their importance to our history, culture and landscape.' At noon on the apple day, Cotehele will help launch a new book by apple experts Mary Martin and James Evans. A Cornish Pomona is a handy pocket-sized guide detailing apple varieties with a wide range of flavours and uses, all are disease resistant in the moist climate of the South West. Mary and James were instrumental in helping Cotehele establish an eight-acre Mother Orchard on the estate in 2007, with 300 trees representing 120 varieties, thus ensuring the historic apples will be enjoyed by generations to come. Cornish radio personality Tiffany Truscott will interview Mary and James about the book, which will then be followed by a book signing. Questions from the audience will be welcomed, giving the discussions the ambience of a live radio show. The Cotehele team will also be cranking up the restored Victorian cider press in the Mother Orchard. Cotehele orchard officer Chris Groves will explain the cider press process as he and the team 'build the cheese', culminating in the 'big squeeze' to press the cider at 3.30pm. Throughout the day visitors will be able to sip freshly-pressed apple juice and taste and compare different apples grown in the West Country; there will be an orchard tour, apple training and pruning displays and a juice-mixing laboratory for children. 'With more than 100 traditional orchards in its care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the National Trust is working to revive the fortunes of our traditional orchards and help provide good-quality habitats for wildlife,' said Dave. Cider and sausages will be available in the Mother Orchard. For timings and details, visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele-events">www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cotehele-events Booking is not necessary and normal admission charges apply.