Orchard Design

Join Andy Howard from the Heritage Fruit Tree Co for a hands on event to learn the basics of designing an orchard.  Attendees will gain the knowledge, theory, skills and insight necessary to plan and plant an orchard whether as an individual or as a start up community orchard group. 

You will get a delicious lunch in FarmEAT and a short introduction to FarmED.   Topics include: 

• Comprehending how and why we have to plan an orchard. 
• Distinguishing between different soil types and Orchard locations (Topography, Soil analysis, frost pockets and how to plant on more difficult sites) 
• Differentiate between different top fruit and the ideal planting conditions.
• Choose root stocks sizes and be aware of trees vigour. 
• What you need and the advantages and disadvantages of different types for sites 
• Understand correct planting distances and different planting patterns. 
• Be aware of the benefit to wildlife and biodiversity an orchard can bring (+ how to introduce biodiversity in to your orchard plan) 
• Setting a tree to an established size when planted. 
• Sourcing trees - when to buy/reserve. 

 You will also have to chance to plan and lay out an orchard on paper, as well as a visit to FarmED's own Heritage Orchard.

Tiered Pricing

Delivery of our mission is a collective effort and our values embrace inclusivity and diversity. We don’t want price to be a barrier to anyone visiting FarmED or attending our events.

FarmED Bursary

If cost is a barrier to you attending, then please do ask us for financial support. The FarmED Bursary offers free or subsidised places to those that will benefit most.

GREAT Farmers

As part of the GREAT project (see www.greatglos.co.uk) we can offer subsidised places to existing and aspiring farmers, growers and advisers in Gloucestershire to the suite of regenerative agriculture and agroecological transition courses at FarmED. To book, please select the Discounted Ticket option below. You will be asked for a few eligibility details including evidence of your involvement in regenerative agriculture and your potential impact in Gloucestershire.

We like to take photos and occasionally videos of our events to use on our website and social media, please let us know if you do not want to be photographed.