Forth Valley Orchards Training Programme

We are pleased to announce the launch of the Forth Valley Orchard Training Programme for 2011/2012, which has been funded by the Central Scotland Green Network development fund 2011.

These workshops are free but residents of Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling areas will be given priority booking.  Places are limited to 15 per event so please book early to avoid disappointment. Once booked, if the events are cancelled due to weather, disease or pestilence, then we will let you know in good time.

Venues and dates may be subject to change, but we will keep you informed after booking if any changes are made.  Details of the programme are attached. 

TRAINING EVENTS (Pre-booking essential)

WORKSHOP 1 & 2 have already taken place.

WORKSHOPS 3 & 4—WINTER PRUNING (Falkirk)
Sunday, 20 November  & Saturday 3 December 2011, 11.00 am—3.00 pm
Venue: Howkerse Farm, Falkirk
Leader: Andrew Lear, Orchard Consultant
Routine and restorative pruning for apple and pear trees is demonstrated, discussed and debated before participants are let loose with pruning tools and learn the practicalities of this essential orchard task. Please bring along tools if possible.  Refreshments available.

WORKSHOP 5—HARVEST –WAYS TO PRESERVE & COOK WITH FRUIT GLUTS (Stirling)
Saturday, 10 December 2011, 10.00 am—3.30 pm
Venue: Reading Room, Blairlogie, Stirling
Leader: Margaret Lear, Plants with Purpose
Faced with a fruit mountain?  Learn which varieties will store—and how—and try out some imaginative new ways of converting and keeping those which don’t, including preserves, baking, cider-making and recipe swap, in this practical workshop.  Refreshments available.

WORKSHOP 6—PLANNING & PLANTING NEW ORCHARDS (Falkirk)
Saturday, 14 January 2012, 11.00 am—3.00 pm
Venue: Falkirk (to be confirmed)
Leader: Andrew Lear, Orchard Consultant
This workshop will combine orchard planning and management  including how to look after the sward, with practical planting and establishment techniques, including training as espalier, fan or cordon. It is hoped to combine a practical orchard planting project with the course.
Refreshments available.

WORKSHOP 7—WINTER PRUNING (Stirling)
Sunday, 22 January 2012, 11.00 am—3.00 pm
Venue: Reading Room, Blairlogie, Stirling
Leader: Andrew Lear, Orchard Consultant
Routine and restorative pruning for apple and pear trees is demonstrated, discussed and debated before participants are let loose with pruning tools and learn the practicalities of this essential orchard task. Refreshments available.
 
WORKSHOP 8 — FRUIT TREE PROPAGATION BY GRAFTING (Stirling) NOW FULL
Saturday, 4 February 2012, 11.00 am—3.00 pm
Venue: Easter Poldar Farm, Stirling
Leader: Andrew Lear, Orchard Consultant
The theory and practice of a range of grafting methods will be covered in this hands-on workshop, from creating new trees to rejuvenating and rescuing old ones. Participants may bring a scion of a fruit tree they wish to propagate, and rootstocks will be available. Bring a suitable knife – care of tools will be covered. Numbers limited. Refreshments available.

WORKSHOP 9—WINTER PRUNING (Stirling) SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!
Saturday, 11 February 2012, 11.00 am—3.00 pm
Venue: Easter Poldar Farm, Stirling
Leader: Andrew Lear, Orchard Consultant
Routine and restorative pruning for apple and pear trees is demonstrated, discussed and debated before participants are let loose with pruning tools and learn the practicalities of this essential orchard task. Refreshments available.

WORKSHOP 10—PLANNING & PLANTING NEW ORCHARDS (Stirling) NOW FULL
Sunday, 12 February 2012, 11.00 am—3.00 pm
Venue: Plean Country Park, Stirling
Leader: Andrew Lear, Orchard Consultant
This workshop will combine orchard planning and management  including how to look after the sward, with practical planting and establishment techniques, including training as espalier, fan or cordon. It is hoped to combine a practical orchard planting project with the course. Refreshments available. Local Community has priority booking.

WORKSHOP 11—PEST, DISEASES AND DISORDERS OF FRUIT TREES (Falkirk) SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!
Saturday, 10 March 2012, 6.30 pm—8.30 pm
Venue: Falkirk (to be confirmed)
Leader: Andrew Lear, Orchard Consultant
A close look at the types of organisms and conditions that can cause fruit trees to fail or become unproductive. This is a hands-on workshop, with plenty of opportunities to look at the problems in situ and learn to recognise major symptoms. Participants can bring along samples to identify; a hand lens or magnifying glass would be useful too.  Refreshments available.

WORKSHOP 12—BLOSSOM, BEES & BIODIVERSITY(Stirling) NOW FULL
Sunday, 11 March 2012, 11.00 am—4.00 pm
Venue: Reading Room, Blairlogie, Stirling
Leader: Catherine Lloyd
Planning orchards with wildlife in mind?  This workshop will look the wide-ranging biodiversity to be found in orchards.  There will be a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, and an expert will be on-hand to help you hone your surveying skills.  Refreshments available.

Please bring warm clothes, outdoor shoes/boots, and a packed lunch.  For pruning workshops, please bring secateurs if you have them, or a suitable knife for the grafting workshop.

*****

You can download a booking form and a programme from the link below.

Booking Form
Programme 2011 ~ 2012

Please return the booking form to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

We look forward to hearing from you.

For more information please contact Amparo Echenique, Forth Valley Orchards Administrator, Forth Environment Link, Earlsgate House, Offices 5 and 6, St Ninian’s Road, Kings Park, Stirling,  FK8 2HE Tel: 01786 449215, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it