We lichen winter pruning at Margaret Wright Community Orchard.

Our second year joining the Abbey People team to prune the apple trees. Getting it right now will result in a healthier, more bountiful crop in the summer 🍎

Each cycling to the task, taking extra care on the icy roads, Harriet, Nick and I met at the orchard. Nick brought extra energy and positivity for a cold January morning ✨

We had an introduction from Leo, whose passion and knowledge inspired us all to get going! We learned how to prune effectively to ensure the tree grows in the most efficient shape, energy is directed to productive areas, and so that the tree looks nice (aesthetics are important too!). We learned about tip pruning of younger plants and using thinning cuts on more established trees to ensure there is enough light getting to the buds.

We got to it, finding the outward-facing buds and chopping, as well as removing water shoots (new, non-fruiting shoots), which prevents energy being wasted on growth where it's not needed.

It was a cold one today, so extra kudos for GoodGymers who showed up to start January strong 🙌

We spent a lovely sunny morning helping Abbey People tidy up at the orchard. Nick and I had a nice surprise as, instead of just tidying up, we able to learn a new skill.

After starting off with some weeding around the seating area, we were shown how to construct a little border using willow. We wove strips of willow together to make a low fence around the strawberry bed. It was a very therapeutic activity and we ended up with a very pleasing result.

It was also Nick's birthday and he kindly brought cake so that we could join him in the celebrations.

Two Goodgymers - Nick and I - spent a lovely morning helping tidy up this great comunity orchard in preparation for a family event next week. We cleared away some prickly brambles and annoying nettles, making space around the seating areas. We also helped out with planting beans in the adjoining community allotment, harvesting some late potatoes along the way. It was bloomin' marvellous!

Two women went to mow, went to mow a meadow. 🌾

GoodGymers were learning new skills and improving the environment on today's task. We were helping to maintain the community orchard, which had become very overgrown with nettles and weeds. We got to use the scythe to clear the tall nettles - what fun and a good workout. It was hot going, but we made great progress clearing two areas around the notice board and the bug hotel ready for local children to bring it back to life. 🪲

A lovely sunny morning pruning gooseberry bushes and apple trees at Margaret Wright Community Orchard.

We learned lots from Leo about how to shape properly, looking out for branches growing into the centre of the tree and those that would block the light of others. For a first go, we were pleased with the outcome!

It was lovely to meet new a GoodGymer,Sophia, and thanks to the team from Abbey People for being so welcoming. We look forward to next time.