Horticulture Students Complete Winter Pruning at the Community Orchard
In February, our Level One and Level Two Horticulture students took part in their annual winter pruning visit to the Community Orchard—an important practical milestone following months of classroom learning and hands‑on training. Earlier in the year, students also visited the younger trees at the Queen Elizabeth II Community Orchard in East Cowes, giving them valuable experience of orchards at different stages of maturity.
Learning from Local Experts
Upon arrival, students were welcomed by Jon Jewett, Countryside Ranger for Gift to Nature. Jon introduced the group to the site, explaining its history, its broad mix of fruit tree species, and the charity’s wider conservation work across the Island. In preparation for the visit, he had spent several weeks improving access by cutting back the meadow and removing unsuitable branches with a chainsaw, allowing students to focus safely on finer pruning tasks with hand tools.
Developing Practical Skills
Working in small groups, the students put their knowledge to the test on a collection of apple, pear and crab apple trees. They began with essential maintenance skills:
- Removing dead, diseased, and damaged wood
- Identifying and thinning out crossing or congested branches
The Level Two students then progressed to more advanced techniques, including identifying dormant fruit buds versus leaf buds—a crucial skill that helps ensure healthier growth and improved fruit production in the coming season. Their careful, considered pruning choices aimed to reduce excessive leafy growth from the previous year while shaping the trees for future harvests.
Positive Community Feedback
Throughout the session, several members of the public stopped to speak with the students, praising both the quality of their work and their positive attitude. These interactions provided a real boost for the learners and highlighted the value of their contribution to a well‑loved community space.
A Thanks to Our Partners
A huge thank‑you goes to Gift to Nature for hosting the visit and supporting our students’ learning, and to the staff at The Isle of Wight College who helped make the day possible. Practical experiences like these are invaluable for building confidence, developing horticultural skills, and connecting students with the wider community.
