Orchard Pruning Course

Posted on March 24, 2011

Edlesborough - Wednesday 22nd June 2011, 10:30am to 3:30pm
 
As a resident of Eaton Bray, I thought fellow residents, particularly owners of some of the remaining/relict damson orchards may be of interested in this local training day about orchards.
-- Jo Hodgkins, National Trust

Many of our much loved old traditional orchards have been lost in recent years. Those that remain are often in a poor condition due to lack of appropriate maintenance.

This is a real conservation issue because old traditional orchards can be very important places for wildlife.

Rare species such as the Noble Chaffer and Orchard Tooth Fungus are particularly dependant on them and any work to preserve these habitats will benefit much more than just the trees themselves.

This area was particularly well known for it's Aylesbury Prune orchards. Aylesbury Vale District Council Biodiversity Team together with Andy Howard from the Heritage Fruit Tree Company will be running a training event in one of the few remaining Aylesbury Prune orchards, to show you how to safely and effectively manage a traditional orchard. Andy will be demonstrating and instructing on all aspects of orchard management but particularly pruning techniques.

The course will be held at 23 Leighton Road in Edlesborough, starting at 10.30am until 3.30pm, on Wednesday 22nd June 2011. The cost for attendance is £30 and you will be need to bring your own lunch and some appropriate working clothes. All tools will be supplied.

If you are interested in finding out more about the course then please contact Matt Dodds on 01296 427972 or 07843 311844 [email protected] Please apply early because numbers will be limited.

Whether you are wanting to reinvigorate an orchard for fruit production purposes or to benefit the wildlife that depends upon it, this course can really help you achieve your aims.

Matt Dodds
Aylesbury Vale District Council