In March Richard Cripps, a Wiltshire based experienced professional horticulturalist visited our orchards and gave advice on the winter pruning of our pip fruit trees; apples, pears and quince. Last week Richard returned to advise us on how to prune our stone fruit trees; cherries and plums. As with his previous visit Richard talked about… Continue reading Summer Pruning
Tag: The Close
Winter Pruning
An important element of managing the fruit trees in The Close and Community Orchard is pruning to keep the trees healthy, encourage strong growth and improve the fruit harvest. Although our trees are newly planted they still need some pruning and we were pleased to secure funding from the Coronation Living Heritage Orchard fund to… Continue reading Winter Pruning
Pitton Nature Trust Event Update
We held a very well attended event on Friday 7th November in Pitton Village Hall. The evening commenced with Fred, our Chair of Trustees, thanking all those organisations and individuals that had supported the charity since it started in 2023. Particular mention was made to Pitton Social Club for their recent generous donation which has… Continue reading Pitton Nature Trust Event Update
Pitton Nature Trust Event
Pitton Nature Trust are holding a ticket only event on Friday 7th November, doors open at 6.30pm and presentations start at 7.00pm. The poster below provides details of the event, to book a ticket email contact@pittonnaturetrust.org.uk
Scything in The Close
This week there has been activity in The Close with two volunteers trained in scything cutting the long grass. Despite the showery weather Sarah and Ian persevered with the task. The area cut will be left for a while to allow seeds to drop and will then be cleared. Areas of Knapweed have been left… Continue reading Scything in The Close
Small Copper in The Close
A Small Copper was spotted in The Close today by Carole Smith. With its wings closed it is a dull brown but once open they spectacular. It feeds of Common Sorrell which is growing amongst the grasses. We are grateful for all the surveys Carole undertakes for the charity. If you have an interest in… Continue reading Small Copper in The Close
Lyme Disease Awareness
One of the hazards of living in the countryside is the risk of being bitten by a tick some of which carry Lyme disease. Ticks are often, but not always, picked up by walking through long grass or sitting on the ground. The Lyme disease awareness charity Lyme Disease UK has useful guidance on how… Continue reading Lyme Disease Awareness
Orchard Trees in The Close
A wonderful tree planting event took place on 12th March. Part of the grant funding from the Coronation Living Heritage Orchard fund, which celebrates the coronation of King Charles III, enabled us to purchase five trees to create a small orchard in The Close. The saying is that you plant trees for future generations, so… Continue reading Orchard Trees in The Close
The Close – Bughouse
A bughouse has now been installed in The Close with the aid of Pitton Guides who collected materials to be put into the structure. Bughouses are great for increasing biodiversity. They benefit lots of different types of invertebrates such as ladybirds, bees, spiders and woodlice. They are able to overwinter, or breed or spend their lives… Continue reading The Close – Bughouse
The Close – Annual Report
As part of The Close long-term management agreement Pitton Nature Trust has with Pitton and Farley Parish Council we provide an Annual Report on the work we have conducted to create a biodiverse habitat in The Close. The 2024 Annual Report was presented to the Parish Council at their meeting on Wednesday 22nd January 2025.… Continue reading The Close – Annual Report