Home of the National Fruit Collections, charity organisation Brogdale Collections in Faversham, Kent, is inviting visitors of all ages to enjoy a wide range of events including tours, courses and festivals, or even volunteer at its beautiful orchards this spring.
Set amongst just over 3,000 varieties of fruit trees and one of the largest fruit collections in the world, Brogdale is the perfect place to take part in an outdoor activity while enjoying and learning about nature.
Spring Blossom Tours – From 1st April
Throughout April and May, join a guided tour around the collections, where you will discover the seasonal highlights and peak blossom areas of the orchards. Visitors can take a guided tour led by an expert, or meander at their own pace on a self-guided walk. With each fruit blossoming with a different variety of flower, this is a beautiful tour and a wonderful photo opportunity!
An Orchard Pass is your entry in but you can use it to come back as any time as you like, all year round – pay once, come back lots!
Info on the Orchard Pass (£6-£40).
Easter Trail – 15th-17th April
Families can book to take part in this fun trail, hunting among the blossoming fruit trees for Easter eggs. A trail map will guide adults and children around the orchards to find the eggs and solve the hidden word quiz on the way. Lucky visitors might even spot the Easter Bunny!
Tickets must be booked in advance and are priced at £3 per child (under 3s free), £6 for adults (£5 concessions) and £15 for a family (two adults and two children).
Courses – various dates
Brogdale runs a range of fun, educational courses, teaching creative skills using the natural resources around us. Choose from willow weaving, gardening, Elderflower cordial making and orchard design, to name a few.
Here’s what we’ve got on in April.
April 1st & 29th: Foraging walks
Enjoy 3 hours of finding out what’s edible on your doorstep, from plants to fungi, led by expert guide Michael White.
It’s a circular walk from the Plough Inn pub, Lewson Street, Sittingbourne and you can join him in the morning from 10am – 1pm or in the afternoon from 2pm – 5pm.
The walks are also running in September too.
£45
April 9th: Gardening masterclass
1-day introductory course for novice / improving gardener, led by an RHS lecturer.
Dates throughout the year if you can’t make this one.
£65
24th: Working with willow
A day class introduction to working with willow – one of the oldest crafts known. You’ll master the basics, then have the chance to make small baskets.
Dates throughout the year if you can’t make this one.
£65
Book courses here.
For more information about Brogdale Collections, visit the website www.brogdalecollections.org
