The idea is to maintain the trees in a manageable shape, allowing light and air to next season’s fruit and making access easy for the pickers in the autumn.   We try to keep all branches within reach of the ground so that picking ladders are not needed.

Our  various varieties of apple trees are pruned to different shapes: for example the branches of our Cox trees should be in a horizontal cart wheel shape with fruiting spurs growing up from the ‘spokes’ – not forgetting to leave a central vertical shoot growing up from the hub which acts as the ‘safety valve’ for the vigour of the tree.

We’ve got some more good news for local birdwatchers and indeed nature-lovers generally – Red Kites have been spotted recently in the area! Subject to the longest continuous conservational project in the world the Red Kites are one of our nation’s most beautiful birds of prey. In the 1980s, it was one of only three globally threatened species in the UK, and so was a high priority for conservation efforts. These have had some very positive results and more and more sightings of this magnificent bird are being reported. There is clear evidence to suggest that this member of the awe-inspiring ‘Accipitridae’ family has begun spreading its wings much further afield than North Scotland and Buckinghamshire, where they were originally reintroduced.

So a stark warning for all you rabbits around here – “Watch Out!”

Talking of proper food, the dinner at Lainston was gorgeous.  Executive Chef Andy Mackenzie and his team certainly are the business!