GREEN fingered volunteers are needed in Newbury for a community apple tree pruning day.

Following the community bulb planting at Wash Common and Blossom’s Field Recreation Grounds in October, the Newbury in Bloom team together with Growing Newbury Green are hosting a community apple tree pruning day at the Digby Road community orchard.

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Volunteers are asked to come along, bring their secateurs, learn some new skills with the onsite experts and help with the pruning on January 18.

Mr. Tony Hammond, of Growing Newbury Green explained: “Pruning is really important with apple trees.

"It helps to shape the tree, making it easier to maintain and keeps it healthy by removing any dead, diseased or damaged wood.

"It also allows more sunlight to reach the ripening fruits.”

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Councillor John Gage, Chair of the Green Spaces Working Group, said: “We would like to invite anyone interested to come along on Saturday January 18 between 10am and 1pm to take part and help prune the community orchard at Digby Road.

"There are now a total of 5 community orchards in the town, planted in partnership with the Growing Newbury Green group.”

Cllr. Gage continued: “We’ve had a great response in the last couple of years with Community Planting Days and are pleased to be working with community groups in the area to help everyone get involved with these outdoor activities.”