Tree Pruning Workshop at Dibbinsdale

Looking carefully before pruning the Bramley tree

planted by Alison McGovern MP and Stephen Ross in 2021.

We had an excellent training day on pruning fruit trees on 25th November, led by Katie Tonge of Heathfield Orchards. Katie talked us through the things to think about, then we went out for practical demonstrations and to try our own hand, in the walled garden at Dibbinsdale.

The tree before pruning (Katie Tonge in the baseball cap).

In the process the six apple trees we planted for Wirral Wildlife's 50th birthday in 2021 were given expert pruning to train their shape as they mature. Several members of the Friends of Dibbinsdale were left with guidance on what to do with the plum trees, come spring, and how to set about some of the older trees that have been neglected for the last few years through the pandemic.

"Yes, I really do mean take that much off"

If you have or are thinking about starting a community orchard, we can recommend booking a workshop with Katie to learn how to prune them to get a crop and to benefit wildlife. Thank you to Wirral Borough Council for use of the walled garden, Ste Smith, the Ranger, and the Friends of Dibbinsdale for hosting us.

Pete does the next cut.

Hilary Ash