A CHIDDINGFOLD cider brewer is launching a tree pruning course for its members.

The Garden Cider Company was founded in 2010 by brothers, Will and Ben Filby, and is entirely sourced from local donated garden apples.

Garden Cider receives donated fruit from more than 4,000 households, who in turn receive a percentage of their apples’ yield.

The company has teamed up with world educators, Sorbus Learning, and the course aims to help members optimise their fruit yield.

The four-hour session with tutor Paul Ritchie will cover four modules, including tree biology, principles of pruning, safe use of tools and formative pruning of some young trees in the Garden Cider orchard.

Co-founder Will Filby said:“We have been thinking about expanding our membership offering for a while.

“Until now it has just been about apple donations in exchange for cider, but we want to build on that.

“By introducing this course, we can not only help our members care for their tree and maximise their apple yield, but also support and develop our relationship with the people who are essentially our suppliers.”

There are three course dates - February 6, 12 and 20. To find out more go to: www.thegardencidercompany.co.uk