It was a frosty morning but the sun was out so we were making the most of it - and err, raking the mows off it.

The helpful folks from Avon Wildlife Trust had visited earlier in the week with their bar mower and made short work of the brambles in the orchard and rabbit meadow.

However, there was still a considerable amount of cut material to collect up so we kept warm raking it up and using forks to throw it over the boundary edge and properly clear the space for the maturing trees while also exposing the earth for wildflower seeding.

When we finished we were treated to mince pies and there was even some warm apple juice to share!

It's been great to return to the orchard this year. We'll be back again in January.