As a busy mother of two disabled sons, Tracy welcomed the opportunity to join our Certificate in Community Orcharding Course (CICO).
““It was good to have something for me that I could totally focus on and be absorbed by ” – Tracey
She appreciated the quality of the teaching and the belief the CICO tutors had in her ability. “Being supported by such knowledgeable people felt like it was an investment in me. I am proud of what I’ve achieved.”
The social aspect of the course was also important to her, and Tracy enjoyed being part of a varied group of people of different ages, career paths and life experience.
“I liked building relationships with the other students and seeing them flourish,” – Tracey
The skills Tracey learned gave her the confidence to plant a new orchard at her local community centre, supporting wildlife and providing fresh fruit for the centre’s café in the coming years.
She is now looking forward to supporting the orchard and sharing her knowledge with the centre’s gardening volunteers.
“I’m feeling much brighter and much more optimistic that I can get out and about and I can do this. I don’t need to be overwhelmed. I can pick up my secateurs and go and prune an apple tree.” – Tracey