A WORKSHOP teaching traditional horticultural skills was a success in Wapley after councillors and conservation groups members came together to preserve traditional skills in the garden.


South Gloucestershire Council is working with Dodington Parish Council and Wapley Bushes Conservation Group to teach people about the skills that are needed to maintain existing and newly-planted orchards.


A fruit tree pruning workshop was held on Sunday, February 15 at the Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, run by fruit tree expert "Mr Fruit" Graham White.


The workshop attracted 20 people representing eight environmental groups from across South Gloucestershire and a number of private landowners.


Dodington Parish Councillor Paul Hulbert, a regular volunteer at the conservation group, said: “We were very glad to offer this training opportunity to other groups like ourselves.


"This area used to have a lot of small orchards, but most have been lost.


“We're keen to get lots of community orchards started again, and we need to spread the skills needed to maintain them.”


John Morris, partnerships and delivery officer, said: "Orchards and fruit trees are an important habitat for wildlife, especially for pollinating insects like bees.


“Courses like these give local people a chance to learn new skills that will help conserve these important features for the future.”


Wapley Bushes Conservation Group's next practical event will be a woodland work morning on Saturday, March 14 from10.00am to enhance the biodiversity of the nature reserve.


Everyone is welcome to meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, and you are encouraged to wear stout footwear and tools will be provided.