Work in Progress at the old Orchard

Prestbury Beaumont Apple Orchard – 11^th December 2009 Report from Nicola, Team Leader.

The winter moon still hung in a daytime sky lit by the brilliance of the morning sun. A thick hoar frost covered the ground paving the way to the orchard where bramble and bracken were usurping the ground in which the remaining eleven ageing apples trees stood. Here we gathered, laden with tools for the tasks ahead.

This was our second working visit to Prestbury Beaumont where our task was to clear the ground and rejuvenate the old orchard. Ruth, Stuart and I set about clearing the bramble and bracken, which was transported to the composting area where Phil (our composting expert) sorted and shredded, creating a mound of sweet-smelling humus. Virginie (our apple tree expert) along with Bill, set to pruning an old plum tree whilst Judy (photographer) clicked and snapped us all at work. By the end of the day we were able to show Edwin (head gardener of Prestbury Beaumont) three of the trees that we had rescued from the dense undergrowth. A glorious day was had by all with satisfying results from just a few hours of work.

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Judy says - I was impressed with the start the team have made to the old orchard at Beaumont. Well done all of you - it is a great project. I have taken some photos of 'work in progress' which we will get onto the Food4Macc website. Meanwhile I have posted 3 of them here.