Planning and planting a small orchard
Saturday 30 November 2013
The course runs from 9.30am to 5pm in Stanmer Park, Brighton.
(Click here if you would like to be notified about future runs of this course/event.)
Learn the basics of fruit tree selection and planting techniques for gardens and small orchards. We will also look at how we can engage children and community members in orchard planting. This course is designed to complement the Community orchard training course.
What will the Planning and planting a small orchard course cover?
The day course will cover the basics of how to design a fruit garden or small orchard: soil types, shade, spacing, rootstocks, pollination groups, apple and pear varieties, etc. We will consider growing fruit trees in smaller spaces against a fence or wall as well as in more conventional orchard settings. Companion planting as well as how fruit trees can be integrated into forest gardens will be discussed. We will plant some fruit trees together using techniques and materials which will ensure the best possible start for your trees in a variety of conditions. We will also demonstrate how children and community members can be involved.
Who is the course for?
The course is open to anyone over the age of 16, and no prior knowledge is necessary. It is relevant to anyone planning on planting a few fruit trees in a garden or a small orchard. It is particularly suitable for those interested in engaging children, young people and other community group members in planting fruit trees, perhaps as part of a broader approach to encouraging sustainable food production and healthy eating.
The practical element of the course involves some digging and moderately heavy work, but participants are welcome to join in or not as they see fit. Do dress appropriately, however, as we will not be deterred by poor weather conditions!
Brighton Permaculture Trust aims to meet the needs of participants with physical disabilities and learning difficulties. If you have any issues which you feel may affect your ability to attend or participate in this course, please contact us to discuss them prior to booking.
Learning methods and outcomes
These will include slides, discussions, a practical planting session, and also a guided walk looking at newly planted trees, fence trained trees, established orchards and our apple nursery. By the end of the day, you should have grasped the essentials of how to plan a small orchard for your particular circumstances and feel confident to plant fruit trees.
This course is not accredited.
Course tutors
Bryn Thomas, co-organiser of the Local Fruit Futures project and Apple Day
Peter May, fruit expert
Venue
Stanmer Park (near University of Sussex), Brighton. Click here for directions to our meeting point near the church in Stanmer Park.
Click here for details of local accommodation and to find out about Brighton Permaculture Trust supporters who can provide accommodation in their homes.
Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments, handouts and information sheets.
£145 - Sponsored/organisation rate
£145 - Individual income more than 25k/yr
£115 - Individual income 18-25k/yr
£85 - Individual income less than 18k/yr
£55 - Individual, concessionary rate (please read below)
Concessionary rates are available to people in receipt of a state pension, means-tested benefits (including housing benefit, council tax benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit, Working Tax Credit (income does not exceed £16,190) and/or Child Tax Credit), and full-time students. Please bring evidence of this to the course.
We endeavour to make our courses/events affordable to all. Unfortunately, we do not receive any external funding for most of our courses/events and rely on large amounts of voluntary input.
See the cancellations and refunds policy.
Booking the Planning and planting a small orchard course
Booking is essential, as most of our courses/events are fully booked weeks in advance. However, if places are still available, then bookings can be made until midday the day before the course/event. A place is not secured until we have received the requested payment.
Please do not book unless you are able to pay for your place.
Paying for your place
Please read this section carefully.
When you complete the booking process, you will receive a confirmation email from us. If you haven't received that email within the next few hours, please contact us immediately, as this email contains vital information regarding your booking.
You can pay when you book your place using a credit/debit card or PayPal, or you can tick the 'Pay later' box (in the Event Fee section), which gives you the option to pay by BACS or send us a cheque after you have booked.
If you tick the pay later box, you will have 7 days to pay for your place. Bookings that remain unpaid on our system for longer than that will expire. You will receive notification of this expiration by email. If you then decide you want to come, you will need to contact us to see if there is a still a place available for you.
If you are booking within two weeks of the course, you will not have the option to pay later. Instead, you will need to pay immediately at the point of booking using a credit card or PayPal. This will also be the only option available if the course is nearly fully booked.
Be certain that you understand ALL the information on this page, then:
Register here for Planning and planting a small orchard, 30 Nov 2013
If places are available, you will automatically be taken to the booking form.
What does this course lead on to?
Related courses and events that may be of interest to course participants:
• Community orchard training (includes care of young fruit trees)
• Apple day
• Pruning old fruit trees
• Forest gardening
• Scything
• Fruit tree grafting
• Fruit cookery sessions and cookery leader courses led by the Community Chef
Contact us
For further information or if you have problems with your registration, please contact us.
