Last month we were delighted to
host a Pruning Masterclass on
behalf of CAPONE (Cider & Perry
based in Hereford.
This is the first of four workshops
on cider apple growing in the
south-west this year. Others will
be looking at pest identification
and nutrient planning. (We will
keep you posted on dates.)
The celebrated orchardman John
Worle (above) guided us through his
methods of pruning apple trees at
all stages of their lives, with a
lively question and answer
session throughout.
With over fifty years experience in
nursery work and apple
production John is one of the best
known orchardmen in the country
and it was a privilege to listen to
his advice.
A few days prior to the West
Bradley Masterclass Neil
Macdonald had been a guest at
where some of the new varieties
of cider apple are being grown on
for sale.
He said of the day “It was a
memorable experience. There is
nothing quite like being with other
orchard people, discussing the
topic closest to our hearts and
coming up with new ideas and
possibilities.”
Some of John’s early orchard
knowledge was acquired at West
Bradley Orchards before he went
on to work at Long Ashton
Research Station and later for
Bulmers.
He set up his own
nursery business in 2006 and has
since supplied over half a million
bare rooted cider apple trees to the industry.
