Caring for Trees courses 2024

Orchard Learning Programme for 2024
Orchard Learning courses are all run by Horfield Organic Community Orchard (HOCO) on our Golden Hill allotment site.
The course fees are discounted for H&DAA members. There is also a more generous discount for those who become members of HOCO.

Get Growing Fruit Trees
This is a friendly introduction to the basics of fruit tree care. Four morning sessions are spaced over a growing season (March, May, July, September). Participants learn to plan, how to manage problems using nature-friendly methods, when to perk up the soil, and how to make the most of the harvest. Pruning for fruitfulness, an ongoing task, is a key part of every session. Learning is hands-on, and the effects of choices and actions are seen as the seasons change. No previous experience needed.

2024 Course dates:  Saturdays – 10 March, 12 May, 14 July, 15 September
Discounted fee for H&DAA members.
More information on the HOCO website.

Other courses:

Dormant Season Pruning courses – hands-on learning with trees of different ages and needs
Pruning Apple & Pear Trees – an introduction for Beginners
Saturday 16 March
Pruning Apple & Pear Trees – for Improvers
Sunday 17  March

We are also organising Community Pollinator Volunteer sessions during March and April – and extra oomph from plot holders would be very welcome. The plantings will make the entrance areas to HOCO more welcoming for pollinators and people! The first of these is this Sunday 3 March. More dates are coming soon – and I’ll be in touch .

Bee Active, Bee Fruitful! A Horfield Organic Community Orchard project is part-funded by the West of England Combined Authority Bee Bold initiative. Are you a Community Pollinator? Help improve biodiversity in the HOCO plots at a mucking in session this Sunday 3 March, 2-4pm. More information here.

Meanwhile, might you be able to share this c/o Facebook? Blossom photo for use too!

More information on the new HOCO website: www.community-orchard.org.uk

Contact: hocopips@gmail.com or phone 0117 373 1587