Hatherleigh Community Orchard is looking for people’s surplus apples to make into cider, as despite the hot summer affecting fruit crops, there are still some windfalls potentially going to waste.

After a run of heatwaves this summer, it’s been too hot for some fruits and after last year’s bumper apple harvest, the 2026 crop has been affected by the ongoing dry weather across Devon and beyond.

Some apples have ripened earlier than normal this year due to the lack of rain and high temperatures this summer, with September generally marking the start of the British apple season.

But growers expect a great taste from this year’s apple crop – as the very warm weather can help the fruit to become sweeter and more flavoursome.

In a Facebook post on the public group, Hatherleigh – Building Community, Iain Crockatt wrote: “So it’s that time of the year again. Hatherleigh Community Cider would be delighted to take your surplus apples and turn them into delicious cider, fit for award-winning pubs.

“I know this year has not been good for apples but they still shouldn’t go to waste. Also I know there are a couple of contributors from last year that I owe their share to but this is in reserve for them. Please let me know if you want to contribute, cheers!”

The Hatherleigh Community Orchard has many different varieties of cooking, eating and cider apples grown and tended to by locals.

New apple trees were planted in early 2025 in addition to mature trees already growing at the community orchard – the apple growing area is loved by nearby residents and has huge support from locals.

Apple picking days at the Hatherleigh Community Orchard have been running each September over the years, with certain apples being made into cider while other varieties are collected for cooking or eating.