Well, what a positive finish to the year. Thanks to funding from Essex County Council, our Conservation Volunteers were joined in the community Orchard by Dr Anna Baldwin. Anna kindly spent the day sharing with us her passion for pruning and care of fruit trees. We also had the pleasure of meeting with Ron Bates (Trustee of St Lawrence Orchard, by Southend Airport), who’s friendship and support was gratefully received.
The group started the day with mixed abilities and levels of confidence but with nurturing from Anna these grew and as the day progressed we learned much. The importance of the soils nutrients and organisms and their relationship with the trees, pruning to create an open “bowl” framework for future healthy growth of spurs and fruit and, some very useful tips on sharpening and maintaining tools.
The course was hands on. By taking a little time, looking and assessing the trees, started to reveal their individual wants and needs. With encouragement from Anna and Ron, and with our saws and sharpened secateurs at hand we set about pruning some of the Apples and Pears.
As the Winter Sun settled down for the evening, we put away our tools and gathered for a tot of spiced Cider and a Mince pie. It was clear to all, the trees in our little Orchard will benefit greatly from this day forward.
The reward for our efforts?
Healthy growth in skills, self confidence and knowledge, stronger community roots, and friendships that will bare fruit for many years to come.
Many thanks to Ed Gillan and Tom Moat of Essex CC.
Dr Anna, Ron, and the wonderful volunteers.
And of course, our little Orchard, who brought us all together.
