WORKING PARTY - 2ND MARCH 2022

We will be gathering in the Orchard at 0930 on Wednesday 2^nd March for our regular work party. 

If you would like to join us please contact Helen directly (helenellson205@btinternet.com). Knowing how many people are turning up in advance helps with planning and coordinating the morning (as well as ensuring there's enough coffee supplies!) 

Jobs to do

🍎 Weed round each tree site and apply Vitax Q4 

🍎 Spread wood chip on each apple and pear tree site (plus damsons). The wood chip is all ready in the Orchard in bags and we have 2 wheelbarrows

 

Specialist work

🍎 Start replacing tree guard support stakes

🍎 Check and redo wire support systems. In many cases the trees are not properly supported and we need to get this all done asap before the trees come properly into leaf.

 

Looking forward to seeing you there!

 

Helen and the Orchard TEAM

FEBRUARY 2022 - NEW DEAD HEDGE

If you've visited the Orchard recently you may have spotted our newly constructed dead hedge, hidden behind the laurel. By making a permanent structure of woody material, pruning and hedge clippings, we encourage small mammals to hibernate and beneficial insects to lay eggs where they are warm and dry. Gradually it will rot down, allowing more material to be added year by year. 

Doesn't it look great? Many thanks to our wonderful volunteers for their excellent work! 

~ Laying the foundations for the dead hedge ~

~ Having fun at work ~ 

~ Newly constructed dead hedge ~

~ Newly constructed dead hedge ~