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Berrington Court, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8TH

Wednesday 1st Of February 2023, 10:00 - 15:00

Frank P Matthews is one of the largest tree nurseries in the UK And has been in business for an impressive 121 years!

A wide selection of fruit and ornamental trees, soft fruit and hedging are grown by their very skilled nurserymen on their nursery in Worcestershire.

They grow over one million container grown and bare root fruit and ornamental trees every year for supply into garden centres, mail order companies, commercial growers and their own Tree Shop. Every year they introduce several exciting new varieties.

Nick Dunn, family director, has worked for Frank P Matthews for over 40 years and has been awarded the RHS Victoria Medal of Honour, will give us an overview of the business and an update on the industry as he sees it including challenges and opportunities for tree production.

We will be joined by David Skitteral, an agronomist from Agrii, who has over 30 years experience with top and soft fruit both conventional, integrated and organic.

The itinerary for the day is as follows:

10.00     Arrival, refreshments

10.30     Introduction                                                    Nick Dunn

10.40     Nursery Production of Fruit Trees             Nick Dunn

11.10     Commercial Top Fruit production              David Skittrall

11.40     Cider and traditional orchards                    Nick Dunn

12.10     Pests and disease control & IPM               David Skittrall

13.00     Lunch

14.00     Nursery tour including

                              Nursery Tree options for planting

Spindle and cordon apple production

                              Walnuts and hazels – discussion on Agroforestry                             

                              Potting operation and cold storage

                              Nursery tree grafting     

16.15     Return to office for tea and departure

We look forward to seeing you there