Longney Workshops throughout 2023
by | posted in: biodiversity, community, Events, GOT Events, Longney, meetings, orchard, Past Events, planting, pruning, varieties, volunteers, workshop | 0

GOT orchardist Martin Hayes is running a series of workshops at GOT’s lovely Longney Orchard, south of Gloucester.

Date will be (many not yet confirmed):

  • Friday Feb 17th Pruning, mature apple trees (10:00 to 15:00)
  • Wednesday Mar 22nd Pruning, young apple & pear trees (10:00 to 15:00)
  • Wednesday Apr 12th Pruning, young apple & pear trees (10:00 to 15:00)
  • Wednesday 10th May Pruning, mature plum trees (10:00 to 15:00)
  • Wednesday 14th June Pruning, young plum trees (10:00 to 15:00)
  • July, date tbc General maintenance
  • Aug, date tbc General maintenance
  • Aug, date tbc Pick your own plums
  • Sept, date tbc Pick your own plums (and apples, if any are ripe)
  • Oct, date tbc Fruit picking for Trust Juice
We are hoping that a regular work-party will be able to help with general maintenance, but no commitment if you just want to attend a pruning workshop.
There is a barn (with interpretation signage), chairs, composting loo and running cold water. Have your lunch in the barn!
Martin is very knowledgeable; so much to learn/share. He will go through health and safety with you. He is first aid trained and we have a first aid kit in the store. The ground is uneven, there are some brambles and low hanging branches.
Tools will be provided, but do bring your own saws, secateurs and gloves if you can. Please bring own refreshments and appropriate footwear and weather attire.
No dogs please; there are sheep and please keep gates closed.
No vehicular access, so please park at or near the white railings on the road, being mindful of neighbours.
If anyone is able to take a couple of photos on the day (if no one objects) for the GOT website, please let us know, thank you via info@glosorchards.org
First orchard is Long Tyning (long and thin) then Bollow. Also on site are Middle & Lower Orchards which have been planted up with heritage apple and plum trees of regional/national importance.
Please book (essential) via info@glosorchards.org and on the day please bring emergency contact details for Martin.
£5 for GOT members for just the workshops (and £20 for non members, which includes a year’s membership).
You can pay through the Donate button on the GOT website at https://glosorchards.org/home/join-us-got-membership/
(non members can also join on that page).

Orchard Learning Programme 2023 at Horfield Organic Community Orchard
by | posted in: course, horfield, meetings, orchard, Past Events, pruning, rootstock, varieties, volunteers, workshop | 0
Pruning in winter

Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) is celebrating 25 years as a community and fruit-growing project. Since 1998 hundreds of volunteer members have cared for nearly a hundred fruiting trees. HOCO is also raising an urban orchard for community education and horticultural experimentation. The Orchard Learning Programme, developed in 2018, is a hands-on and holistic adventure in community orcharding that guides participants over a growing season at HOCO.

The 9-month course (see dates summary below) is designed to deepen the knowledge and sharpen the skills of those involved in the close care of fruit trees. It is ideal for growers with previous fruit growing experience, and highly recommended for anyone starting up, or involved with, an orchard. Participants work with less-than-perfect trees and learn by doing.

Programme content and structure are always evolving – driven by climate chaos, and shaped by the experiences and needs of participants. The blend of group learning days and one-to-one sessions was a great success when introduced last year. All sessions take place outdoors in the example-rich Horfield Organic Community Orchard. They are led by Shannon Smith – an experienced community orchard grower and educator.

Successful applicants are partnered with a fruit tree – their Tree Buddy – for the year. They join with other HOCO members to help organise orchard working meetings and community events.

Places are limited. Deadline for applications is Sunday 29 January 2023.

More information on the HOCO website: www.community-orchard.org.uk

Days Cottage Pruning Course 2nd Feb 2023
by | posted in: course, Days Cottage, orchard, Past Events, pruning, workshop | 0

Thursday 2nd February 10.00am – 1.00pm

Learn to prune fruit trees of all ages. Hands-on training that demystifies those gardening book diagrams! Create shapely, healthy, productive trees. Includes refreshments and hot drinks in cosy yurt.

Maximum of 12 people on the course. All tools provided, but bring your own if you prefer.

£40.00

There will be a repeat of this course on Tuesday 21st February 10.00am – 1.00pm

Details at http://dayscottage.co.uk/courses

To book please contact applejuice@dayscottage.co.uk or 01452 813602

Days Cottage Pruning Course 21st Feb 2023
by | posted in: course, Days Cottage, orchard, Past Events, pruning, workshop | 0

Tuesday 21st February 10.00am – 1.00pm

Learn to prune fruit trees of all ages. Hands-on training that demystifies those gardening book diagrams! Create shapely, healthy, productive trees. Includes refreshments and hot drinks in cosy yurt.

Maximum of 12 people on the course. All tools provided, but bring your own if you prefer.

£40.00

Details at http://dayscottage.co.uk/courses

To book please contact applejuice@dayscottage.co.uk or 01452 813602

Grafting Workshop, Winterbourne Barn, 18th February 2023
by | posted in: apples, course, Events, grafting, Past Events, rootstock, varieties, workshop | 0

Winterbourne Barn’s annual grafting workshop will take place on Saturday 18th February 2023 from 10am to 4pm.

Come and learn how to graft apple trees on this course under the tuition of Ben Raskin, a previous commercial fruit grower and an enthusiastic, effective and very knowledgeable teacher, now Head of Horticulture at The Soil Association.

Visit www.winterbournebarn.org.uk/events and scroll through until you come to Apple Grafting for details.

Or, to see booking information, go to https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/winterbourne-medieval-barn-trust/t-avvoeav

Growing and Training Fruit in Small Spaces course, Thursday 18 August 2022
by | posted in: apples, course, gardens, Past Events, pears, planting, plums | 0

At Sue Gibson School of Gardening, May Cottage, Slimbridge.

Growing and Training Fruit in Small Spaces course on Thursday 18 August 2022.

Cost £75 including lunch (10% discount to GOT members).

Sue Gibson School of Gardening. https://www.iteachgardening.co.uk/

For details/to book email: info@iteachgardening.co.uk