Ridge Workday 5th March 2005
Our task this workday was to continue pruning the fruit trees
in the 'orchard' area and to clear more land of brambles, particularly
around the trees, to help them remain strong. Bob, our current
chairman of the Friends, gave guidelines on how to prune the fruit
trees we were working on. His expertise was essential in dealing
properly with pruning.
In general, the trees being tackled on this day were approximately
50 to 60 years old, so were getting quite large with a fair amount
of growth that would not promote good fruit growth this year.
Our job would be to cut out branches that crossed others, shorthen
some of the longer ones and give the tree more light by thinning
out generally. A daunting task to those of us inexperienced in
such matters, but made much easier under Bob's guiding hand.
Mike and Lee tackled an apple tree close to one of the paths
that led up the slope through the area where many of these fruit
trees grow. Being relative beginners in the art of pruning, the
task seemed difficult at first (where do you start?) but became
easier once into the swing of things and results started to show.
Here's the before and after shots:
Before |
After |
What do you mean? Well then, look closer - count the branches!
Meanwhile, while many deliberate, Maureen in the background of
the right-hand picture relentlessly ploughs through what seems
an endless supply of bramble and nettles.
 Paul,
from BTCV, and Bob, having a lot more experience in the art of
pruning, were allowed to climb trees and have more fun
were using an array of tools to cut out dead branches and make
more serious judgements on a tree's shape and form. Well, that's
what we were told anyway.
They managed to tackle several trees in this area using specialist
tools which BTCV made available to us on the day.
Ah, did I mention the freshly-brewed tea which Paul served up
around lunch-time? Always welcome by that time. You'll have to
come along to see how Paul brews up.
Good, now that I've managed to mention that, there's no need
to say anything about the several snow showers, sleet and occasional
rain we had on that day is there?
Damn......
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