Pick Your Own
To Book.
All we requires a name and the number of adults & children who will be coming.
Call, text or email from the contact details below
Free entry to our orchard
mb 0427772431 or 0245671206
Getting here Shields Orchard Bilpin Email. Info@shieldsorchard.com
November 16th 2024
2270 Bells Line of Rd Bilpin
Julie and Bill would like to thank all of the customers who supported us in a difficult year.
We look forward to a better season in 2025 and seeing our many friends back picking
This season has been difficult one for us.
We have a very light crop of apples compared to what we would normally have.
We believe this is due to the wet weather we experienced 2 years ago when over the February, March and April period when we had 1500 mm of rain. This stressed the trees, some of which we saw last season.
Apples start to develop fruit buds 2 years out and when their roots are saturated for that long period of time it has a negative effect. In my lifetime on the farm I have not seen a lighter crop.
That’s farming!
Variety list at the bottom of the page with approximate dates
If you would like to be updated on what is happening or when specific varieties are starting, email and ask to be put on our newsletter list
Bill & Julie Shields
we accept credit cards
Always Check before coming.
About Us
Shields Orchard is a small family based orchard that has been retailing our own fruit since 1955. Since 1992 we have been also been providing the opportunity for individuals and small family groups to “Pick Their Own” apples. There is no enty charge; the only charge is for the fruit picked. We provide a basket or you can pick into your own bags. We weigh the bags and charge per kilogram
We continue to improve our operations to the point that we believe we are carbon positive.
With Integrated Pest Management and some science, we now have high levels of predatory insects to control problem insects and has meant we have reduced our pesticide usage to about 30% of the recommended applications. Part of this has been the elimination of broad spectrum insecticide
We have just installed a 15 kw solar energy system that supplies all of the energy for the farming operation such as irrigation, cool room & shed.
We have over the years worked on improving our soil to the point of having organic carbon levels of 8.2 % which compared to other orchards as part of a national survey was 3 times more than the next closest. 8.2 % organic carbon means we are storing approximately around 75 tons of carbon / hect. In doing so have reduced the amount fertiliser we need to apply and as well the energy needed to apply it.
Covid
Because we have always encouraged people to book before coming it hasn’t been as difficult to adapt to the Covid . We can manage numbers to ensure there won’t be large crowds of people on the farm at one time.
Do not attend if :
- If you or any member of your group are experiencing any flu-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fever)
- Are awaiting the results of a test for COVID-19.
Helping us to Make it an enjoyable experience
We would encourage every one to either call, text or email us if you intend visiting.
- While we will take bookings on the day if we are busy it is difficult to answer the phone and we may be booked out. We like to know the number of adults & Children that are in your group.
- Booking enables us to ensure we always have good fruit available and it won’t be all gone if you get here later in the day, & ensure a better experience with no large crowds.
- While we are happy have small bus groups (25 people) during the week. We won’t take large groups or coaches on weekends.
- If you are on our newsletter list you are first to hear of what is happening & we will give you special attention.
- Check our website which we will be updating regularly once we start or call.
- If you are coming in a number of cars it helps us if you arrange to all arrive together
We as that people picking their own to observe the following courtesies
1. Watch were you are walking over uneven surfaces do not run.. Please Supervise children when picking.
2. Stay within the areas to which you have been directed defined by ropes & observe the directions on signs.
3. Pick You Own means what you pick you pay for.
4. Please pick only the apples specified. (picking other than the specified apples may result in being charged at a higher rate).
5. Please use the rubbish bins provided. Do not leave rubbish in the orchard.
Thank you for your consideration! Enjoy yourself.
