AN ORCHARD workshop day to give guidance and support to anyone trying to nurture their own traditional orchard, is being held next month.
Apart from the richness of their wildlife, orchards can make an economically-valuable contribution to the ?locally distinctive? character and quality of Devon?s landscape.
At one time every farm and large garden would have had its own orchard of mixed fruit trees for domestic and other uses, including folklore and festivals.
The workshop day has been organised by the Devon Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, and has been designed to provide technical and practical solutions for people with an orchard in need of a bit of tender loving care.
The day will begin at approximately 10am with an indoor introductory talk by Kevin Croucher of Thornhayes Nurseries. There will be a chance to visit the orchard and get hands-on experience of pruning and maybe limb removal from larger trees.
Other sessions during the morning and afternoons will provide the opportunity to witness and practice pruning techniques and learn all about apple tree propagation, apple pest and diseases, orchard management, planting schemes plus the correct ways to stake trees.
The orchard workshop day takes place on Wednesday, January 15, at Pound Farm, Pound Cross, Roborough, near Plymouth, by permission of Mr and Mrs Turpin. Ring 01392 352012 for more information.