The very nature of orchards means that courses are seasonal. During the summer months, very few courses are available.
Courses posted on this page are available to the public. Please see the newsletter for events available only to members.
Events: Autumn, Winter, Spring 2009/10
*= Event organised by OL or in close partnership with others
2010
*30th January (10am-12noon)
Budded Trees at Whiddon Park, Landkey - collection
Trees budded in July 2008 are now ready for collection by those who attended the course then. Please bring spade or fork.
*Sunday, 31 January (10.30am-3.30pm)
Your New Orchard: 2 Layout, Planting and Protecting, Landkey, with Chris Niesigh.
OL members £10, Others £12
This is a day for those who have made the decision to plant an orchard and who are wanting to face the practicalities. The course begins with short talks covering tree selection, (varieties and rootstocks), equipment and site preparation. There follows a short practical exercise showing short-cuts for the positioning of trees, with advice on planting. Finally participants study trees and particularly guards in the Demonstration Orchard to consider the design, construction and costs of this often overlooked aspect of orchard establishment.
*Sat 13 February (10.30-3.30)
Grafting Course with Kevin Croucher, North Tawton.
OL Members: £10, Others £12
After last year’s cancellation because of Arctic conditions we plan to run this ever-popular event at North Tawton. Participants learn how to propagate fruit trees through bench grafting. After Kevin has demonstrated the theory and practice all attending have the opportunity to practice grafting their own scion material to rootstocks under his watchful supervision. Rootstocks are provided for a small charge, as is some scion material. For propagation from your own trees (before the course) advice is given on collecting and caring for graft wood.
*Sat 20 February (10.30am-3.30pm)
Pruning Day 2 (Formative Pruning of Young Trees) with John Pledger, Cobbaton
OL Members: £10, Others £12
This popular course is designed for those who have planted apple trees over the last couple of years or so. Formative pruning can be critical in getting your fruit trees established quickly. In 2010 we move to a new venue having produced strong, shapely trees at the Venn Demonstration Orchard. The course starts indoors with a talk outlining the main options in forming a tree. Then pruning is demonstrated on a number of trees, and in supervised groups you will tackle trees until you are satisfied you can take home the skills. We have tools, but bring your own and dress for outside work.
*Wed 10 March (7.30pm-9pm)
Your New Orchard: 1 Planning Ahead with Michael Gee, Witheridge Church Rooms,
OL Members £2, Others £3
Why do so many people plant before they plan? This short weekday evening course is designed for those who are still at the preliminary stage of restoring an old orchard, or planting a new one. Based on years of practical experience and answering questions, Michael Gee will suggest a checklist of items which need to be addressed before you plant. Somebody said the rest is easy!
*Sat 17 April (10.30am-1pm)
Top Grafting with Jane Pay, Chulmleigh
OL Members: £5, Others £6
We introduced this short course last year. Participants were amazed at the way a simple technique can transform an orchard. Jane has years of experience of top grafting new varieties on to established trees. If you have a younger apple tree you don’t much like, or an old tree that needs a new lease of life, or you want a ‘family’ tree with several varieties, then this course will show you how: the theory, the practice and the results...
EVENTS FOR SUMMER 2010 are being planned. They will feature Orchard Visits and a short outdoor course on the characteristics of Cider Apples.