Care of fruit trees
Learn the basics of caring for fruit trees from planting to maturity.
Course Content
You will learn the basics of how to care for fruit trees of all ages. Particular attention will be given to how to establish young trees effectively and how to care for trees so that they remain healthy and productive.
Topics covered will include:
- Caring for young trees
- Watering
- Feeding, compost and mulching
- Growing healthy trees and maintaining a healthy orchard
- Management of land between trees including meadows, companion plants and other crops
- Recognising pests / diseases and how to deal with them organically where necessary
- Some pruning basics (there is not time to cover this fully on this course)
- Growing trees in small spaces
- Picking and storage
- Sources of further information, networks and projects
You might also be interested in our Planning and planting a small orchard and Pruning young fruit trees courses.
Who is this course for?
The course is open to anyone over the age of 16, and no prior knowledge is necessary. It is relevant to anyone caring for fruit trees in a garden or a small orchard. The course is particularly suitable for those with young fruit trees to care for and will be of interest to those caring for community and school orchards.
The tour will include a short walk of around one mile. Do dress appropriately, as we will not be deterred by poor weather conditions.
Why do we teach this course?
Our Care of fruit trees course teaches traditional skills, connecting people with nature, supporting local food production and biodiversity.
Course Tutors
Jenni Cresswell
Jenni has a degree in Environmental Science and leads Brighton Permaculture Trust's Community Orchards Team. She is working with local communities to help plant ever increasing numbers of fruit and nut trees every winter and provide skilled aftercare to the orchards.
Stephan Gehrels
Stephan Gehrels is a key member of our orchards team with many years of teaching experience. He completed his Permaculture Design Course in 2003 and his Diploma in 2009. Passionate about permaculture, Stephan has worked extensively with children through eco-school projects and forest garden plantings. He is known for his engaging, approachable style and is especially popular with younger learners at our juicing events.
Course reviews & feedback
This one-day course runs from 9.30am to 5pm, in the classroom and the orchards at Stanmer Park, Brighton
2026 Course
2027 date to be announced
Venue
Stanmer Park (near University of Sussex)
Brighton
Map & Directions
Fees
Fees include tuition, refreshments, handouts and information sheets.
Sponsored / Organisation rate
£175
Individual income: more than 25k/yr
£175
Individual income: 18-25k/yr
£140
Individual income: less than 18k/yr
£105
Individual: Concessionary rate
£70
(check eligibility)
Concessionary places are limited.
Our commitment to affordability relies on voluntary support.
ACCOMMODATION
If you intend to book accommodation, please check availability before booking a place, as accommodation in Brighton can be hard to find, especially over the summer months.
Get details of local accommodation and Brighton Permaculture Trust supporters who can provide accommodation in their homes.
BOOKING
Booking is essential, as most of our courses/events are fully booked weeks in advance. However, if places are still available, then bookings can be made until midday the day before the course/event. A place is not secured until we have received the requested payment.
If you have completed the booking process but you haven’t received a confirmation email from us please contact us to check your booking has gone through.
If you are booking within two weeks of the event, or the event is nearly full, you will not have the option to pay by BACS. Instead, you will need to pay immediately using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
ACCESSIBILITY
If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please contact us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Have questions?
For any enquiries or if you need further information, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!