It’s almost 2026.

And if one of your New Year’s intentions is to spend a bit more time outdoors — and maybe learn a practical skill along the way — this upcoming workshop from Future Orchard Cork in Glanmire could be the perfect way to kick things off.

On January 10th, from 12pm to 2pm, the community orchard group is hosting an Orchard Winter Pruning workshop led by their Head Gardener, Chris Troy. Taking place entirely outdoors, the session focuses on the essential art of winter pruning apple trees, helping participants understand how to set trees up for a healthy and productive year ahead.

The workshop is designed to be friendly and accessible (tickets are €10), with all levels of experience welcome — whether you’ve never picked up secateurs before or you already have a few fruit trees at home. Chris will cover the basics, including how to shape apple trees to maximise yield, identify and remove problem wood, and reduce the risk of disease.

There’s a nice bonus too: every participant will head home with a bottle of Future Orchard Apple Juice, pressed from the group’s recent harvest.

For those feeling inspired to get planting, a selection of fruit tree and bush bundles will also be available to purchase on the day, ranging from a €50 starter bundle to a €200 legacy orchard option, featuring combinations of apple trees, hazelnuts and blackcurrant bushes.

Wrap up warm

As the workshop takes place outdoors, attendees are advised to dress warmly and appropriately for January weather. A limited supply of gloves and secateurs will be available, but bringing your own is encouraged. Parking on site is limited, and spaces for the workshop are capped, so booking ahead is recommended.

It’s a hands-on, down-to-earth way to start the year — fresh air, practical skills and a chance to reconnect with nature, right at the beginning of the growing season.

Grab a ticket here.