Cider

This year's long, hot summer has resulted in the Somerset cider makers harvesting 10 days ahead of schedule

The National Association of Cider Makers said apple growers, retailers and farmers could expect to see a strong demand for one of the UK's most loved refreshments this summer

With the traditional cider sector under pressure in the UK, Herefordshire farmer Paul Stephens is looking to keep the industry alive.

Kate farms alongside her husband Jim on their farm near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Farming 122 hectares (300 acres), the main enterprise consists of 800 breeding ewes and cider made on-site from their orchards. She is a mum of two, runs Kate’s Country School on-farm and is the woodland creation officer for Stump Up For Trees

Kate farms alongside her husband Jim on their farm near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Farming 122 hectares (300 acres), the main enterprise consists of 800 breeding ewes and cider made on-site from their orchards. She is a mum of two, runs Kate’s Country School on-farm and is the woodland creation officer for Stump Up For Trees

Kate farms alongside her husband Jim on their farm near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Farming 122 hectares (300 acres), the main enterprise consists of 800 breeding ewes and cider made on-site from their orchards. She is a mum of two, runs Kate’s Country School on-farm and is the woodland creation officer for Stump Up For Trees

It is our favourite time of year. There has been a farmstead here since the 12th century, with the addition of a cider house in 1696 for payment of cider to farm labourers. We are continuing this tradition.