This
course is run by Bryn Thomas, an experienced trainer who has been
pruning old and neglected fruit trees professionally for over 10
years.
No prior knowledge of pruning is needed, but the course will be
of interest to experienced gardeners and professionals as well as
the complete novice. This is a very practical course, and participants
should be willing, and consider themselves physically able, ‘to
have a go’, and also to spend most of the weekend outdoors.
Most participants are likely to want to use ladders to gain access
to taller trees, but access to some of the smaller trees is feasible
without leaving the ground.
The
course will provide participants with practical skills through hands-on
experience of renovation pruning of apple trees. These skills are
essential to anyone caring for mature fruit trees, but the expertise
to carry out this work is not very widespread or accessible. Fruit
trees that are not properly cared for often become unproductive
and diseased, frequently causing them to die prematurely. Many of
the techniques learned will have applications in the care of younger
and newly-planted fruit trees, and other trees and shrubs.
A discussion
about what participants want from the course will be followed by
brief theory sessions and practical demonstrations. However, the
majority of the course will be devoted to practical hands-on experience
with guidance from the tutor. By the end of the course participants
will have the practical skills necessary to carry out renovation
pruning of old fruit trees without supervision.
more on fruit
trees & orchards
how
to book: |
|
if you can't open
the booking form, you need Acrobat
Reader - it's free
|
arrive: |
|
Friday
evening at 6.30 for dinner at 7.30 |
depart: |
|
Sunday
after lunch (served at 1.00) |
directions: |
|
click here for
directions by bicycle, public transport and car |
what
to bring: |
|
pen
and notebook; towel; boots / wellies for tour if wet; money
for possible trip to pub (meals and bedding are provided)
NO DOGS PLEASE,
as we have sheep |
let
us know: |
|
if
you are vegan or have any food allergies |
accommodation: |
|
3-4
people sharing single-sex rooms |
sat
evening: |
|
either
a trip to the pub in Winslow, or (depending on the weather)
a barbecue and bonfire. You'll be able to meet and chat with
other Redfield members |
prices: |
|
£190
high-waged; £160 waged;
£130 student / unwaged
Refundable up to two weeks prior to course (minus £30
admin fee)
No refunds for cancellations within two weeks of course
|
discounts:
|
|
|
car
sharing: |
|
|
|
|
the tutor
leading a discussion on what to prune and why
photo: Daniel Holloway
to get a heavy, healthy crop of fruit like this, you need to prune
carefully during the previous winter
course tutor
Bryn in his natural habitat
photo: Daniel Holloway
|
