Volunteers gain hands-on orchard skills while caring for nature

Our volunteers at Turnastone Court Farm in Vowchurch have been gaining practical orchard skills, while enjoying time outdoors, learning together and supporting nature-friendly farming. 

Members of the Colwall Orchard Group recently visited the farm to lead a hands-on training day in orchard tree pruning and maintenance.  

The session focused on caring for the site’s apple and pear orchards to ensure their long-term health and future productivity. 

For our CRT volunteers, the day was about far more than completing a task. It offered the chance to connect with nature, learn new skills and spend time with like-minded people. The group also marked their final volunteer day before Christmas by enjoying mince pies and mulled wine together. 

Sarah Eley, 55, from Hereford, has volunteered at Turnastone Court Farm since 2020.  
 
“We saw this advertised during lockdown and it was anything to get out and about. We’ve been coming ever since. It’s about learning new things and meeting new people. It’s a lovely atmosphere and really is the simple aspect of coming out in the fresh air,” Sarah said. 

For Helen Mitchell, 56, from Hereford, it was the conservation side of things that attracted her to volunteering.

She said: “We always come away having learn something new and different. I enjoy seeing how the conservation work helps the wildlife on the farm to thrive.” 

Chris Humphreys, 63, from Bacton, has volunteered at Turnastone Court Farm for about three years, after moving to the area.

He said: “I hadn’t volunteered before in my life, so it was an opportunity to come out and give something back. It’s been about meeting people as we were new to the area. 
 
“It’s a nice community of people and they are all keen to get stuck in.” 

Jilly Rosser and Chris Blake from the Colwall Orchard Group led the training, teaching volunteers how to safely use equipment and how to prune the trees so the work can continue in the years ahead. 

“The orchard here was planted 20 years ago but the trees had become overcrowded with broken branches and were getting too tall. I am teaching the volunteers how to care for the trees and bringing them back into a healthy state so they can thrive and the fruit is easier to pick,” Jilly said. 
 
Ruth Moss, our CRT Conservation Officer at Turnastone Court Farm, thanked the group for their support. 

“We are very grateful to the Colwall Orchard Group for coming to teach both staff and volunteers how to prune and care for the trees going forward. 

“It will take several years to restore the orchards to full health, but this practical training has been invaluable in helping us manage and protect these beautiful trees for the future.” 

For more information on volunteering with the CRT, see If you are interested in volunteering for the CRT, please see www.thecrt.co.uk/volunteering

Published: December, 2025