Started the Pruning

I started pruning the trees on the 30th January. Spent about 4hrs cutting back branches that are rubbing or are heading back into the tree. Its still early days and and as long as air can get in and around then its fine.

Any branch that looks weak or diseased had also been removed. All in all a productive weekend.

I have seen lots of buds some are much larger than others and I am comparing them against varieties. Its interesting stuff and I hope that the blossom this year is even better than last.

I have found lots more ladybirds and other bugs, as the picture show. I still haven't been in to see the bees but its still to cold to go into the hives.

I also spotted and talked to a couple of ramblers this weekend, I think they were impressed with the project.

Still need to prune the Trees

Over the weekend I checked the trees. I have removed more stakes. All seems fines. However I still have not started the pruning.

I have to also start removing some of the additional protection that we have given to the trees. The brown fencing that acts as a micro climate and provides some protection from from rabbits has also started to rub against some of the branches. This is not necessary on all the trees just some that have grown quickly. I think the pears and cherry's aren't going to need to be done just yet.

The reason for the delay in pruning is time. The family doesn't always want to spend a whole day in the cold and I will need at least a whole day to get the work done, so the plan if for me do start on this Sunday.

The kids have been helping me, Hemish just wants to hang out with the horses and Maya is willing to help with somethings as long as she is praised and rewarded in some manor "sweets", and also long as its not to cold.

However I love it when the whole family is with me. I want them to enjoy and know that the effects they make are all for a positive, to our own food security and for the environment and for their own health. Lots of animals, birds and insects will benefit from the work we are doing, and they are also learning in some cases new skills.

Stakes removed

I have removed a number of stakes from some of the trees. When examining the trees the growth and wind has mean that some of the branches or trunks have rubbed against the stakes. This is not good. This should give the trees more room to grow now.

Hemish came with me and sat in the pushchair as I examined the trees and he stared and talked to the horses in the next field. He had fun, munching crisps etc. We later went to the local farm shop and he was fascinated by the cows and sheep in the fields and barns.

The ground is very wet, and in some cases its boggy. It is the middle of winter and in recent weeks we have had lots of rain so nothing to worry about. I must admit now with the new trees in place the whole orchard looks and feels different.

I should start the winter pruning and will next week. Some branches will need to be removed. It might have to be done on the Sunday as that way Leena can look after the kids, it all depends on the weather.

The bee hive has not suffered further damages. This is good news. This coming Thursday its the monthly Bee lecture I am looking forward to it, in part so I can talk to others about the bees etc. Its still to cold to go inside the fives, though it has started to warm up.

Woodpecker attacking the bee hive

I checked on the trees etc last week. The trees are fine, however the Bee hive seems to have been attacked by a wood pecker. It hasn't gotten in but it will keep trying.

I have covered the Hive in a plastic covering "empty compost bags" which I am told it should deter the woodpecker. With the weather so bad and wet and the temperature so low if would be difficult to move the hive. I have 2 options (1) move the hive (2) cover the hive with some kind of deterant. They have hives protected from woodpeckers at the Sutton Park Apiary. I have to build my own could take some time. Will let you know how it goes.

The trees are fine, branches covered in buds, lots small ones some large, the trees are all well.