Spreading apples across Cumbria - its not all hard graft!

Members' grafting event held at Newton Rigg on Saturday 15th February

Our 10th annual grafting event was held at Newton Rigg College on Saturday 15th February 2020. Despite the advent of storm Dennis, 17 members attended, some of whom were returnees, but many who were there to try grafting for the first time. 4 grafters joined NCOG specifically to take part in this event and create their own trees!

The workshop was led by Hilary Wilson, Mark Evens, Chris Braithwaite and Ros Nichol. Every rootstock ordered by NCOG was used, plus some extras. In total, more than 60 new trees were grafted using scion wood supplied from members' orchards. We are delighted to be assisting in the growth of new orchards and the spread of heritage apple varieties across North Cumbria and beyond - we estimate that we have been responsible for 500-700 new trees over the last decade!

Thanks go to Hilary, Mark, Chris and Ros for sharing their expertise and to Shelagh Todd, Head of Horticulture at Newton Rigg, for hosting and facilitating the event. Thank you also to Alison Evens for administering the sale of rootstocks.