Jon, a professional forester, has been running pruning courses for Brendon Orchards members for over a decade and shares his wealth of experience and knowledge to make this skilled task accessible to anyone who is keen to learn.
There are 3 levels of course offered from beginners through to professional level. Keep your own trees in tip top condition, or you can learn the skills to be able to prune trees professionally for others too.
This course starts with a classroom session in the morning to cover the growth of trees, learning to work ‘with the tree’, how to keep trees healthy and productive, special tools and techniques of pruning and staying safe. The theory is applicable to all fruit trees, large or small and all varieties.
The practical part of the course takes participants to a beautiful orchard nearby where you will learn first-hand about ‘reading the tree’ and making the pruning cuts. As your confidence builds you will prune trees together in small groups.
Please note it is a requirement that if you wish to attend one of our more advanced courses to have attended at least one beginners pruning course first.
Next course(s): Winter 2026/Spring 2027. Dates will be released later in the year.
This course develops the theory and practical skills that you will have already learned in the Beginners pruning course, covering all elements in greater depth and detail so is suitable for those who have previously attended a beginners course. The day will only briefly recap on content covered in the beginner course before moving on to the more advanced material.
Please note: If you’ve not previously attended one of our pruning courses it would be really helpful if you would be able to complete the enquiry form on this page *before* booking so we can be sure that the course is suitable for your current level of understanding and won’t move too quickly for you.
Next course(s): Winter 2026/Spring 2027. Dates will be released later in the year.
This course is a more advanced level aimed at participants who would like to move into paid pruning work.
The theory side includes a focus on charging rates, Health & Safety, grants etc.
The practical will take place in a nearby orchard. By the end of the day you will hopefully have enough knowledge, skills and confidence to offer your services on a paid basis but we will be offering more training days for those who would like more training.
Next course: Coming soon…
Thank you for your interest in our Pruning Course. We will be in touch to confirm your place on a course or addition to our list for future courses.
If you don’t hear from us within 3 days please do email kim.cavanagh@brendonorchards.co.uk or give us a call on 07929 972758.
We look forward to enabling you to give your trees the expert TLC they need to keep producing fabulous fruits for you.