2016 sees the return of our popular apple tree pruning courses held here at The Orchard, Redmoor Fruit Farm, Redmoor Lane, Wisbech, Cmabridgeshire, PE14 0RN.
This hands-on pruning course is held in our traditional 8 acre orchard with apple trees of various ages, from mature Bramleys between 50 and 100 years old to the youngest tree planted in 2014.
What will I learn?
You'll learn, through theory, demonstrations and practical hands-on experience the necessary skills and expertise to prune apple trees. The techniques you learn will enable you to care for young, newly planted trees, keep mature trees healthy and productive and to "renovate" old trees.
This is what one of last years participants had to say about the course:
“I have an allotment with a number of fruit trees on it including apples. I have been trying to find some where I can get tuition in pruning the trees correctly so I was pleased to find this site. I had a really great day with Jim last week. He expertly guided me through what is required to get my trees in good shape as well as giving me tips and advice on the care of them. I am very happy to recommend the pruning days. I also recommend the home cooked food served in the tea rooms!" Robin
Who is the course for?
The pruning apple trees course is for anyone over 16 who wants to learn about pruning fruit trees. No previous experience is necessary. To get the best out of the course you will need to be physically able to have a go at pruning one of our trees under the guidance of your tutor, this can involve the use of ladders but doesn't have to as we have plenty of smaller trees that can be worked on from the ground.
The majority of the course will take place outside in the orchard so you'll need to be prepared for the weather by wearing outdoor clothes and bringing wellingtons and waterproofs in case of rain.
Course content
Meet at The Orchard Tea Room at 10am for a 10.30 start
Introductions over tea or coffee where we'll discuss what you want to gain from the course eg. which type of tree are you especially interested in, variety, age etc
A look at tools and equipment
Theory of pruning explained during practical demonstrations in the orchard
Lunch in our tea room: Delicious homemade soup & sandwich freshly prepared from local produce served with a pot of tea.
"have a go" at pruning under supervision
3.30pm tea and cake and the chance to ask as many questions as you like.
Tools
To prune trees you'll need a pair of good quality secateurs and a pruning saw, a pair of loppers are also useful. Please bring what you have along on the day.
Cost
The cost of the apple pruning course, including morning coffee, homemade lunch, tea and cake, is £60 per person.
Dates
5th January 2015
12th January 2015
19th January 2015
26th January 2015
2nd February 2015
9th February 2015
16th February 2015
23rd February 2015
Book a course
Booking is easy, simply email us your name, address, telephone number and email address along with your preferred date and we'll send you a confirmation email along with an invoice, we do ask for payment in advance.
If you'd like to give our Pruning Apple Trees Course as a present please let us know in your email, upon receipt of payment we will send you a gift voucher for giving.
