PEOPLE whose work is to grow fruit or fruit plants are invited to a special event next month, which will offer tips, advice and the chance to network with others in similar roles.

The Winter Fruit Moot is being held from 10am to 2.30pm on Saturday February 4 at Wyke Sports Village, Wilson Road, Bradford BD12 9HA.

It has been organised by Fruit Works Co-operative, Land Workers Alliance and Bradford Council and provides an opportunity for fruit growers to learn from each other.

The itinerary is still being finalised but so far it is: 10:00 refreshments 10:20 welcome from Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places 10:30 four or five 20/25 min sessions. Confirmed so far:

• What we learnt from grafting 12,000 trees, Solvi & Dan, Greater Manchester

• Setting up an orchard CSA, Jenny & Andy Lawrence

• Growing fruit regeneratively, Sheffield Fruit Trees 12:30 Lunch; stick swap; networking.

1:30 Open plenary session with the help of a panel of experts, including Sylvia Travers (Pomologist), Richard Brown (Wakefield College, Horticulture) & Pippa Chapman (author of "The Plant Lover's Backyard Forest Garden". Early questions:

• What rootstocks and varieties should we be growing with a changing climate?

• Currant and gooseberry propagation. When and how is optimal?

• What are the advantages of the new generation of rootstocks?

• Propogating mulberries

• Plant passporting and plant traceability Tickets cost £20 and are available on Eventbrite.

The cost of the ticket includes refreshments at the start of the day and a hot lunch. More details of the itinerary are available on the Eventbrite page.

“Thinking about the future climate and the need to import less food, fruit growing is something which needs vision and innovation, so this kind of event is very timely.”