A pruning workshop took place in February 2025 and provided an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of the whole pruning process. The workshop was led by our apple expert Andrew Lear, the Appletreeman.
Everyone enjoyed learning new skills, asking questions and getting to know one another.
Andrew shared different methods of pruning, the tools needed and their safe use and maintenance. Participants also asked questions on apple tree pests, diseases and pruning problems.
Andrew demonstrated on the veteran James Grieve and espaliers in the Walled Garden at the Barn. We were grateful that our neighbouring Allotment Holders also offered up their trees as examples.
Andrew Lear is a professional horticulturist and arborist, with a lifetime career in gardens, landscaping and nurseries behind him. Latterly, he has specialised in the production of fruit trees in his own nursery, as well as running courses and workshops for community groups across Scotland. ‘Orchards: Practical orcharding for a changing planet’ Andrew’s co-authored book is available at the link.
The Far Orchard 