These are some of the events Les is involved with over the next few weeks:
January 26, 2026
Events Coming Up
Blog Archive
- April 2018
- December 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- July 2017
- May 2017
- April 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- August 2016
- July 2016
- June 2016
- May 2016
- April 2016
- March 2016
- February 2016
- January 2016
- March 2015
- January 2015
- October 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- April 2013
Testimonials
Westcountryman
Just wanted to thank you so much for an inspirational Orchard workshop at Cooks Farm on Saturday. I learnt so much and left with the confidence to attack the pruning of my own trees. I have planned my new orchard and bought my first Dabinett and Kingston Blacks!
Alison (Attended Orchard workshop)
03/17/2014
Westcountryman
Just wanted to thank you so much for an inspirational Orchard workshop at Cooks Farm on Saturday. I learnt so much and left with the confidence to attack the pruning of my own trees. I have planned my new orchard and bought my first Dabinett and Kingston Blacks!
Alison (Attended Orchard workshop)
03/17/2014
Westcountryman
Les has helped to deliver a number of successful orchard restoration events for FWAG (now FWAG SW) in Somerset and Devon over the years. He has a wealth of practical knowledge and his enthusiasm and ‘have a go’ attitude are an inspiration to the farmers and landowners that have attended – we have had lots of excellent feedback.
Roland Stonex MCIEEM CEnv
Farm Conservation Adviser
Farm Conservation Adviser
Westcountryman
Les has made this fascinating course extremely worthwhile. He is a mine of practical advice and a fund of anecdotes. We have been made really welcome by our engaging hosts Jaquie and Yaron on their fabulous farm.
Monica (Attended Orchard Course)
Westcountryman
We were delighted to give our apprentices an opportunity to benefit from Les's experience and knowledge. The balance of theory and practical skill was delivered with clarity and humour and was one of the highlights of our seminar programme.
Ben Raskin, Head of Horticulture
Soil Association
Soil Association
Westcountryman
Such a fantastic and informative couple of days, seeing all ages and stages of apples, from grafting to early pruning techniques. Great fun and learnt LOADS! Thanks Les.
Jane (Attended 2-day Orchard Course)
Westcountryman
Totally worth the 2 days taken off of work. Les is great and a fountain of knowledge, and he’s contactable afterwards.
Sean (Attended 2-day Orchard Course)
Westcountryman
Informative and enjoyable course due to Les’s humour and knowledge!
Nick (Attended 2-day Orchard Course)
Westcountryman
So much more than I expected, especially all the ‘hands on’ work. Les made it all very enjoyable and Yaron and Jaquie made the best hosts.
Elaine (Attended Orchard Course)
Westcountryman
Worth doing the course if you are not even interested in pruning. Les is a legend!! Obviously very knowledgeable and knows his business inside out.
Alan (Attended 2-day Orchard Course)
Westcountryman
Really great course. I didn’t know anything about pruning, but now I feel BOLD!!!
Clare (Attended Orchard Course)