More than 60 per cent of traditional orchards in England have vanished since the 1950s as a result of development pressures, conversion to other uses and small scale producers suffering at the hands of the economics of fruit growing, which have ultimately led to the neglect of orchards.
A new project is being launched today to halt the loss of traditional orchards across England and help revive their fortunes.
Dr. David Bullock, Head of Nature Conservation at the National Trust, said:
'Traditional orchards have been disappearing at an alarming rate over the last 60 years.'
'We are in real danger of losing these unique habitats – and the wildlife, local fruit varieties and their rich heritage – and if we don’t act in some cases we will not even know what local varieties of fruit have been lost.'
Funding from Natural England’s Countdown 2010 Biodiversity Action fund has enabled the recruitment of an Orchard Officer to champion the cause of traditional orchards on behalf of the Habitat Action Plan group. The importance of traditional orchards to wildlife was recognised by the Government in 2007.
Poul Christensen, Acting Chair of Natural England, said: 'Traditional orchards are a classic feature of the English landscape and are ideal habitats for threatened and protected species.
'Successful orchards are worth their weight in gold, not just for the valuable contribution they make to the economy but to the subsequent enhancement of these precious wildlife habitats.
'This project is one of many across the country using grants from our Countdown 2010 fund, to help halt biodiversity loss.'
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© National Trust
About traditional orchards
A traditional orchard is defined as having at least five fruit trees. The trees are widely spaced and allowed to reach a veteran-hollowed and gnarled-stage. They are subject to low intensity management with few or no chemical inputs and they’re often grazed by animals such as sheep or cut for hay. Though they are relatively small in area traditional orchards are important for a wide range of species.
At a time of decline for the honey bee traditional orchards provide a welcome source of pollen and nectar, while elusive insects such as the noble chafer beetle lurk in the dead wood of older fruit trees. Traditional orchards also provide nesting and feeding areas for declining bird species such as lesser spotted woodpeckers.
The UK signed up to restore national biodiversity at the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992. It wasn’t until traditional orchards were recognised as a Priority Habitat that the domesticated biodiversity of apple, pear, plum, damson and cherry varieties – received the protection they deserve.
The traditional orchards project will go a long way to raising the profile of local fruit varieties, and so contributing to their conservation and use. Work is now set to begin on helping to improve the conditions of existing orchards and helping to create new ones to build a secure future.
There will be wildlife and fruit variety surveys to help establish a better understanding of these habitats and training workshops on the practicalities of managing an orchard from pruning to planting and propagating.
Kate Merry, Orchard Officer, added: 'We now have a real opportunity to reverse the decline of traditional orchards and recognise the important role they play in our cultural and natural heritage; if we don’t act there is a real danger that they will not survive the twenty-first century.
'Working with organisations such as PTES, Common Ground, and local orchard groups will be the key to creating a new generation of orchards across England.'
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How you can make a difference
You do not have to own an orchard to do something positive. Attending an Apple Day is an excellent and fun way to find out more and meet some orchard experts. You may have a Community Orchard in your area – to find out where they are, or for advice about starting one yourself you can contact Common Ground. Many counties have an Orchard Group which you can join. These groups and also local colleges often run workshops in fruit tree pruning and propagating techniques.
You could plant your own fruit tree – a local variety will be suited to your region’s soil type and climate and so will grow well. You could do some research into rare, local varieties and help to ensure their survival. Specialist nurseries will be able to help. Try to buy orchard produce such as fruit, cider, juice and chutney from local markets and suppliers.
More information on the orchard project and details of how people can plant their own traditional orchard or get involved email: orchards@nationaltrust.org.uk
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