Some of you may already know this but I’ve been raising money for Marie Curie on a semi regular basis since 2016, I do this by taking on ridiculous challenges and also by giving talks and running apple pruning workshops.

If you’d like to know more about my crazy challenge this time click here!

I am now into year seven, or is it eight, of running the Apple Pruning Workshops and I’m always looking to expand the locations we offer this experience at and I’ve finally found a venue that comes up to the very high standard set by the wonderful Columbine Hall, our much loved venue of the past few years.

So this year I’m delighted to announce we are adding a second fabulous location to the Apple Pruning Workshops!

Venue One – Four Acres, Lapworth

Our new venue is called Four Acres and is an organically run micro farm based in Lapworth. The owner Toby has very kindly said we can use his Cider apples to practice on and they’re going to be a little bit of a challenge!

Toby has also very kindly said we can use his beautiful converted barn for the day as our base, absolute luxury!

Venue Two – Columbine Hall, Suffolk

Columbine dates back to the 14th century, its current owner, Hew Stevenson, has spent the last 20 years lovingly restoring the house and grounds. His wife Leslie has sadly recently passed away. When they first came to Columbine Hall it had been lying empty for 10 years, in 1993 they set to work restoring it and brought in Designer George Carter and employed Head Gardener Kate Elliott.
Kate’s love for the garden shines through and the Hew and herself have been amazingly kind to allow us to use their Orchard, which is a perfect age and size, to train a few people on how to prune Apples, Pears, Medlars and Quince.

We Will be using their amazing restored great hall in the walled garden as our base

The Course

We have 4 dates this year for extra flexibility and ease of attendance
Saturday 13th January 2024 – Four Acres – Sold Out
Sunday 28th January 2024 – Four Acres – Sold Out
Saturday 10th February 2024 – Four Acres – Sold Out
Saturday 2nd March 2024 – Columbine Hall – Sold Out

The day will start at 10am where you will all gather and we can discuss where your skill level is as we are happy to take on absolute beginners through to those that have experience & want to progress.
You will be shown all the tools you will need and have their safe use & maintenance explained to you. Then we will go through pruning maiden trees to establish the correct framework for freestanding, espalier, fan & other styles of fruit trees.
After a short break, to warm up & refuel on hot tea & cake, we will start to tackle the big trees! This will give us an excellent opportunity to discuss different methods of pruning & the reasons for it. If you have a tree which has got out of hand this will be exactly what you need!
A break for a warming lunch of soup and then..
Once the demonstration is over you will be let loose on your own trees
Finally, we will gather to discuss any questions & do a quick session on apple tree pest, diseases & disorders.

The Cost
The day will cost £70.00 per person which includes Drinks, soup & snacks. Learning material and tools will be provided.

We limit the number of places available on each day to ensure you get as much time as possible to ask questions and perfect your techniques.

Payment is via Paypal for your security.

If you wish to buy it as an xmas present for a loved one and keep it as a surprise we can arrange that too, look forward to hearing from you.

If you have any questions not covered here please feel free to ask on the contact form below

Thank you for choosing to support Marie Curie