Orchard Learning Pruning courses are tailored to meet the needs of participants and their trees. Each course begins with a small group workshop in the rich and diverse outdoor learning environment of Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO).

Participants are introduced to the seasonal pruning cycle. They meet the best tools for the job, work with real trees, and learn by doing. Follow-on one-to-one sessions take place by arrangement – at HOCO and/or the garden, allotment or community project where your trees grow (gardens, allotments, community projects in the Bristol area).

Orchard Learning courses are a good way into active membership of HOCO. Course fees are discounted for HOCO members.

Fruit Tree Pruning courses (2023): 3 places (each session)

Dormant season pruning – Beginners – Apple & pear trees: Sunday 5 March, 10am-1pm
Dormant season pruning – Improvers – Apple & pear trees: Saturday 25 March, 2-5pm
Pruning Stone Fruit – plums, damsons & greengages: Saturday 27 May, 2-5pm
Delayed dormant season pruning – Improvers – Apple & pear trees: Sunday 11 June, 2-5pm
Growing season pruning – Beginners – Apple & pear trees: Saturday 29 July, 2-5pm
Growing season pruning – Improvers – Apple & pear trees: Sunday 30 July, 2-5pm and Saturday 5 August, 2-5pm

Courses cover:

Planning
Pruning technique & Tools
Forming and training young trees
Free-standing and trained trees
Renewing fruiting wood on established trees
Restoring older trees

Course fees include a 3-hour small group session, and 3 hours one-to-one session(s):
£130; £120 (member of AOG or H&DAA) £100 (HOCO Friend member); £90 (HOCO Harvest-share member)
Discounted fees if more than one course is booked at the same time. Get in touch for more information.

* Beginners – no previous experience needed
** Improvers – at least 2 years experience, plus participation in a practical pruning course

Get in touch for a chat if your trees are growing outside the Bristol area.
Request an application pack: https://goo.gl/forms/0niaxJCUPhNlzSNy1