• Practical Introduction to Fruit Tree Planting, Pruning and Aftercare Course

    by  • November 29, 2017 • EAT Project, News, Courses & Events, Orchards

    What: Practical Introduction to Fruit Tree Planting, Pruning and Aftercare Course

    Where: Brook End LAND Centre, Compton Dundon near Street & Glastonbury

    When: Saturday 3rd February 2018, 10 – 4pm

    About: 

    This one-day course is an opportunity to gain practical skills and understanding in how to care for apple and pear trees.

    The course will cover:
    • The history and mystery of apple cultivation.
    • Planning & preparing the Garden Site. • Rootstocks, varieties, pollination & fruiting.
    • Sourcing & choosing winter bare root apple and pear trees (also quince & medlar).
    • Digging, Planting, Staking,
    • Mulching, Protection and Aftercare.
    • Pruning tools and their uses – secateurs, pruning saws, loppers.
    • Formative Pruning: principles and practice
    • Maintenance Pruning: Principles and Practice

    About the Tutor: Anthony Ward is Orchard Keeper at the Chalice Well Trust in Glastonbury where his current Orchard Mentor is legendary Somerset Apple Man Les Davies MBE. Before taking an NOCN course in Organic Horticulture at Bristol College in 2002 and becoming a self-employed Bicycling Gardener Anthony was a teacher and facilitator in Further and Adult Education in Dorset and in Galicia in Spain. A student and friend of the late Permaculture teacher Patrick Whitefield he believes passionately that orchard management skills and passing on the art and science of cultivating fruit trees is vital to the future of the local food economy in Avalon.

    Cost: £50. Max 14 places, please book early. Free and nancially-supported places available, please email for further information.

    How to Book:  To book please email eat@feedavalon.org.uk

    This course has been organised to support the Glastonbury Orchards and Woodlands Network and their aims to restore local orchards and create a community orchard.

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