British Apples and Pears (BAPL) our apple and pear industry promotional body, has long history of supporting the 'top fruit' industry, but in the last decade has progressed under the influence of CEO Ali Capper into a much broader organisation, delivering much more than public promotion. Now research, etc.
The latest addition to the spectrum of BAPL industry support is the introduction of practical workshops.
In a conversation last week, Ali Capper updated me on the inspiration she had for introducing practical workshops to the services BAPL provides for it's grower members.
Noting that similar organisations in the world, New Zealand, Australia, USA organise practical activities for their members, Ali has added: Practical Workshops to BAPL activities!
Below: Tom Hulme, Paul Hamlyn & Russell Graydon
BAPL Smart Orchard Grower Workshop highlights practical pruning for healthier, more profitable orchards
BAPL grower members gathered at Brook Farm, Wingham on 20 January for a BAPL Smart Orchard Grower Workshop focused on pruning - combining disease management, commercial decision-making and hands-on learning to support both orchard health and returns.
The workshop brought together technical expertise, on-farm experience and a practical in-orchard demonstration, with sessions covering he role of pruning and tree structure in 'growing by numbers', and European apple canker management. The event formed part of BAPL's ongoing programme of Smart Orchard grower-led workshops designed to share practical learning and encourage peer-to-peer discussion.
In-orchard pruning demonstration
Below: Left. Paul Hamlyn and right. Russell Graydon
A key part of the day was a practical, in-orchard pruning demonstration led by Paul Hamlyn from ACH Farming and Martin Harman from Kent Orchard Services. This gave growers the opportunity to see pruning principles applied directly to mature apple trees.
The session focused on translating theory into practice, with discussion around removing diseased wood, improving light interception, managing tree vigour and setting a structure that supports target fruit size and uniformity.
Growers were able to ask questions in real time, compare approaches, and discuss how pruning strategies may vary by variety, orchard age and commercial objectives. Many attendees highlighted the value of seeing decisions made tree-by-tree, reinforcing the messages from the earlier presentations.
After the practical demonstration, attendees went into the barn for a session led by Tom Hulme (A C Hulme & Sons) and Russell Graydon (Adrian Scripps Ltd).
Opening the workshop, Ali Capper, executive chair of BAPL, outlined why the organisation is investing in practical, grower-focused events, emphasising the importance of sharing data, experience and evidence to help growers manage rising costs and increasing production risks.
Tom and Russell then went on to explore how pruning decisions influence yield, fruit size and ultimately returns. Using real orchard data, the presenters showed that relatively small improvements in fruit size and grade-out can have a much bigger impact on profitability than increasing yield alone
Link to growing by numbers presentation on pruning
Growers were encouraged to use regular fruit counts and sizing data to inform decisions throughout the season, with winter pruning highlighted as a key moment for setting tree structure and future cropping potential.
Cutting canker out of the orchard
The final presentation, delivered by Mat Papp-Rupar from NIAB, focused on why pruning is central to effective European apple canker control. Growers were reminded that canker cannot be "sprayed away, with lesions continuing to produce spores whenever it rains, creating thousands of potential infection events from even small areas of infected wood
Link to Niab canker pruning presentation
Practical guidance was also shared on how to remove and dispose of infected material, protect pruning cuts, and identify hotspots to support ongoing monitoring.
Open discussion and next steps
The workshop concluded with an open discussion, allowing growers to reflect on both the technical content and the in-orchard demonstration, and to share their own experiences of managing canker and crop load.
The next BAPL Smart Orchard Grower Workshop is schedule for 19th March 2026. Click here to find out more and book a place.
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man