Killerton host orchard skills learning day (From This is The West Country)

Killerton host orchard skills learning day

7:00am Saturday 21st January 2012 in Devon

THE Countryside team at Killerton National Trust Estate at Broadclyst near Exeter is offering visitors the chance to spend a day learning about the skills needed to tend its orchards.

The practical hands-on workshop will be led by National Trust warden Simon Garland, who helps manage 50 acres of orchards on Killerton estate.

Participants will be given a brief history of the orchards, professional advice on planting, pruning and caring for fruit trees, and the specific tools needed for the job. Tools will be provided but individuals are encouraged to bring their own if possible.

A question and answer session will be provided|over a home-cooked|two-course lunch in the|tea-room.

Mr Garland said: “The purpose of our master-class is to highlight the importance of protecting apple orchards as wildlife habitats and shows that they still have a place in the modern landscape.

“Through events such as this, we’re opening up Killerton’s orchards as somewhere the local community can come to learn traditional countryside skills while making a valuable contribution towards the National Trust’s work.

“People can then put what they’ve been taught into practice and enjoy their own home-grown fruit.”

The course is on Monday, February 13, and Tuesday, February 14, from 9.30am to 4pm at a cost of £60, available on 01392-881345.

Booking is essential as spaces are limited.