Cultivating the future at Tarbert Castle
PRIMARY pupils visited a Tarbert community orchard before getting stuck into helping over the winter months.
Tarbert Academy P1, 2 and 7 called on Tarbert Castle’s orchard project, which was well under way in preparation for planting.
The children showed a good understanding of what an orchard is and the reasons why volunteers are busy digging ditches, preparing the soil with seaweed and building a protective deer and rabbit fence.
Tarbert Castle Trust chairwoman Sheila Campbell and other volunteers asked questions about what could be seen and received very good answers, while the children were keen to know about the types of fruit which could be grown, including apples, plums and soft fruit. The pupils helped peg down a geotextile raised bed planting area cover, through which trees will be planted to provide weed protection. It was a job for many hands and enjoyed by everyone.
Trust secretary Robert McPhail said: ‘The introductory visit was a great success and the trust is looking forward to pupils giving volunteers more assistance with planting over the winter months.’
A free workshop on fruit pruning and after care will be held tomorrow (Saturday November 19), led by John Hancox – known as Apple John.
To find out more, call Robert McPhail on 01880 820643.