Free Orchard Workshops

Written by Dan Luton
Wednesday, 20 January 2010 11:39

Come and learn the traditional art of fruit tree pruning from some of our local experts. It’ll be a real hands-on workshop planting new trees and pruning. Tools provided; bring gloves and warm, waterproof clothes and boots.

Monday 25th January 2010 10.00am -12.30pm
Grimsbury farm, Kingswood
Paul Humphreys from BTCV will be joining us to instruct on pruning a wide range of fruit trees. There may also be an opportunity to have a look at the Tree Life Centre tree nursery on-site and the new memorial woodland site. Meet in the car park. Toilets on site.

Saturday 6th February 10.00am -12.30pm
Cock Road Ridge Nature Reserve, Kingswood

Learn to prune old apple trees and have a go yourself. We’ll also be tidying and clearing undergrowth around the trees. Meet Bob at the allotment entrance Hollyguest Road or Sally outside Longwell Green Leisure Centre.

Saturday 27th February 10.00-12.30pm
Cycle Path @ Mangotsfield Station
We’ll be working on some very old trees and planting some new ones. Meet on Rodway Common opposite Mangotsfield Secondary School (unless you’re cycling then see you there)!

Monday 15th February 1.30-3.30pm
Pomphrey Hill Open Space, Emersons Green/ Mangotsfield
Learn to prune new fruit trees (apple and pear). We’ll also plant a few replacement trees and have a look at some large pear trees and a mulberry. Meet at entrance off Pomhrey Hill (B4465) opp Johnson Rd, just next to Cleve Rugby Club.

Tuesday 23rd February 1.30pm- 3.30pm
Bristol Bath Cycle Path @ Staple Hill Tunnel
Plant 4 new apple trees and prune/ tidy up one old apple tree. Also tidy around a regionally important geological site (RIGGS). Jo Wright will be teaching us about planting techniques. Meet in the car park, Station Road, Staple Hill.

Call Sally Pattison for directions or info on 01454 863556 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

These are a series of five informal training sessions looking at the planting and aftercare of fruit trees. The half-days will be fun and interesting, learning about different fruit trees and getting some hands on experience. Each session will take place on Council open space as part of the Wildways project. Anyone who attends one or more of the workdays may be eligible for a City & Guilds Horticulture certificate through Filton college accreditation.

These courses are free. The Wildways Project is supported by South Gloucestershire Council and Natural England, through the BIG Lottery Fund.

For further information on events and activities please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/orchards.