Pruning Workshop - a great success

Despite snow on the ground and cold feet, this year's pruning workshop event proved to be a great success. Event leader and freelance fruit tree specialist, Marc Richmond taught volunteers the ins and outs of pruning techniques, when to prune and how to maximise our fruit crops and maintain healthy trees by a regime of selective pruning and mulching. Attention was also given to the Dig In grape vine and the many varieties of fruit bushes in the Pulp Friction fruit cage.

Thanks also go to Jill Carter from Pulp Friction for providing the wonderful homemade soups and pancakes which were eagerly enjoyed by everyone. Alan Withington from RCAN was also on site to present an official plaque to commemorate the construction of the Pulp Friction growing area and was in turn presented with a cheque for RCAN by the mayor. 

Alan Withington (RCAN) will also be running a construction course on the Dig In site in the near future, as well as helping us with other ongoing maintenance and construction projects. Recovering and repairs to the Dig In polytunnel are also planned for this year, so with the construction of the eco-loo, this is going to be a very big year for us in terms of site improvements for the benefit of existing volunteers and the community at large. With site facilities upgraded, we then intend to encourage and invite more elderly and disabled members of the local community to become involved with the Dig In project.

Last of the Summer vine (before and after the pruning workshop);

Eco-loo update

Tim and James have literally battled through the worst of our Winter weather with the result that the base and floor of the composting toilet have now been completed along with the framework to support the upper walls and door frame. The photograph below (taken at the pruning workshop event) was kindly sent in by Helen. Yes, that is real snow on the ground and the temperature was as cold as it looks in the photo.

Building Spaces for Growing Course

As part of Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire's 'Grow and Grow' project, Alan Withington will be hosting a 1 day workshop which will provide instruction and teach practical skills such as constructing raised beds, making planters, bee boxes etc. Please download the event poster for further details.

The course will be held on Thursday 28th February 2013 at the Dig In community Allotment, Pasture Road, Stapleford, Nottingham [map] 9.15 for 9.30 am start. Finish around 2.30 pm.

You will need to bring sturdy footwear, warm clothing, a waterproof in case of bad weather and a packed lunch. The course is free to organisations and individuals based in Broxtowe, but there is a £30 charge for those based outside the Borough (concessions apply). Booking for the event is essential.

To book and for further information, please contact Alan Withington;

email: alanwithington@rcan.org
tel: 01623 727600 (leave your contact details)

Compost toilet - eco-loo

Work started on site this week to build the new Compost toilet. Despite the below zero temperatures and frozen ground, the foundations are already in place. Thanks to James and Tim for all their hard work.

Pruning Workshop Saturday 26th January 2013

Dig In will be running a Pruning Workshop on Saturday 26th January, led by local fruit tree expert Marc Richardson. We will be pruning a range of fruit bushes including blackcurrants, gooseberries, grape vines and apple and pear trees. If you have a tree on site we might be able to help you prune it on the day. Pulp Friction are providing a hot lunch. The workshop is free of charge with a suggested donation of £10. Booking essential with Lauren on 07943700302.