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 🙌

The sunshine was glorious but fooling no one at Coldham's Common parkrun this morning. Well done to the 285 runners and walkers who braved the icy conditions (felt like - 6!) to complete their 5k 🙌

I was on number checking duty and managed to keep warm running between timer and finish token volunteers. All aligned, so well done team!