Introduction to Orchard Management course this Sunday!

We're excited to welcome guest tutor, Les Davies to the farm on Sunday 24th February to share his knowledge and expertise in all aspects of caring for apple trees: from planting and formative pruning of young trees through to restorative pruning of old, unproductive trees. The aim of this workshop is to give you the knowledge, skills and confidence to go away and effectively care for your own trees.

“Pruning your fruit trees will not only help to increase their productivity but it will also make them live longer. Many of us have fruit trees in our gardens but lack the confidence to prune them effectively so that’s why we’ve invited local orchard expert, Les Davies MBE, to show us how it’s done!” Claire Rosling, Community Engagement Worker at The Community Farm

As one of the prime cider producing regions in the UK, the Westcountry is renowned for it’s orchards however last year saw one of the worst apple harvests for 15 years. The poor harvest in 2012 was attributed largely to the wet weather which prevented bees pollinating the trees in the Spring. So after a tough time of it last year, what better a reason to make sure your trees have a fighting start this year?

We will spend half of the day here at The Community Farm, working with our young apple trees (kindly donated by one of our members in February last year) and then spend the second half of the day working with some more mature trees in a local orchard at the beautiful Westfield Farm, also in Chew Magna. Westfield Farm grow and harvest organic cider apples for local Thatchers brewery.

"We have been at Westfield Farm for 17 years. When we came the orchard was very neglected. We planted 10 - 12 trees a year for about fourteen years and now have about 150 trees!  We have put in some interesting ones this year - including one called Sops in Wine!" Bryony Huntley from Westfield Farm

The workshop is a bargain at £30 for members and £35 for non-members. Refreshments will be provided.

For more information on this workshop and for details on how to book, please click here.