Reviving Apple Trees at Crich Junior School: A Community Effort
On, thankfully, one of the first nice days in February, a community spirit blossomed as we teamed up with Earthed Up! to breathe new life into the apple trees at Crich Junior School’s garden.
This garden, a treasured asset for both the school and the village, had experienced neglect since lockdown. Our collaborative project, "Growing to Gathering," aims to restore the garden while celebrating the joys of growing, cooking, and sharing food together.
The apple trees, some hidden beneath a tangle of blackthorn, had never been pruned, making this an exciting challenge.
Earthed Up! brought their wealth of experience in tree care, and we invited eager participants for a hands-on introduction to fruit tree pruning. They shared fascinating insights into the history and lore of apple trees, emphasising the abundance they bring, before we all dove into the task.
Our group faced an initial challenge: removing the middle of three entangled trees planted too closely and overshadowed by a dense hedge. This exercise served as an intense introduction to pruning. Once the central tree was removed, we turned our attention to shaping the remaining two into more manageable forms.
Ryan from Earthed Up! guided us through the essential pruning principles—the four Ds: Dead, Diseased, Damaged and Duplication. We also learned to step back and assess for crossing or crowded branches to envision the desired shape. Given the overgrown state of the trees, we opted for an open cup shape to enhance air circulation, promoting healthier and more fruitful growth.
Huge thanks to Ryan and Dom from Earthed Up! for generously sharing their expertise. We’re eagerly anticipating a summer workshop focused on pruning espalier trees and more.
If you're interested in joining the "Growing to Gathering" movement, we invite you to come along to our Green Spaces & Wildlife group meet ups or join our WhatsApp Group. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about growing, cooking, and enjoying food together.