This one-day workshop will help to restore the older stone fruit trees within the UK’s 'Best Community Orchard 2017’ at Platt Fields Park, Manchester. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge to take back to your older and/or larger fruit trees which may have lost their way either at home or within your own community orchard.

Worth knowing that all the principles taught at this session can then be utilised during winter pruning on apples and pears.

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SUNDAY - 10:30-4:30pm

For what we think is our 4th year in a row we've invited back expert trainer Mark Simmonds (Coop Culture) who has a wealth of experience planting, restoring and working with community orchards across the North West. You will also have The Orchard Project's own project manager Dan Hasler on hand to assist, guide and advise. Under their supervision and guidance you'll quickly be assessing trees, making cuts and restoring the 80+ fruit trees within the park.

Dan will also lead a session on formative pruning of stone fruit in the newest section of community orchard over by Holy Trinity Platt, just off platt lane.

Because of the planting distances between trees we can work safely and socially distant. At times it may be required to come closer together so face masks are advised.

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PLEASE BRING LUNCH/SNACKS WITH YOU - A HOT DRINK IN A FLASK IS ADVISED.

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This pay-as-you-feel workshop is provided to our network of orchard leaders across the North West and the general public. Early booking is essential and please be generous as this continues our work of planting and restoring community orchards across the UK. 

For registered 'Friends of Platt Fields' tickets are free. Please check this ticket box at checkout.

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Please wear appropriate clothing as we'll still make progress in light rain/drizzle. Wellies are advised. All tools and instruction will be provided although feel free to bring a favourite pair of sharp secateurs. We will ask you to not share tools on the day and you will be required to clean down your tools on the day. Do feel free to bring your own tools on the day.

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Due to COVID-19 our usual base at the Lakeside Centre is closed. We will advise on the day where the nearest access to toilets are. Meet in the carpark, see below for meeting instructions.

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PARKING:If travelling by car please use the free car park within the grounds. Access is off Mabfield Road. Postcode for Sat Nav is: M14 6LA

WHERE TO MEET:

Platt Fields is a big park! We'll meet in the main car park off the end of Mabfield Road. This is close to the children's play area and behind The Lakeside Centre.

COVID-19

We will be following the current government guidance for essential volunteer events. Please keep an eye on your inbox for any on-the-day changes.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/enabling-safe-and-effective-volunteering-during-coronavirus-covid-19#volunteering-in-groups-and-around-others