Great for wildlife
Traditional orchards have been around for centuries. Hay meadows, hedges, aging trees with decaying wood and windfall fruit in old orchards entice a huge variety of wildlife. Sadly over 80% have disappeared – but luckily a number have survived in the Welsh Marches.
Traditional Orchards have recently been recognised for their importance to wildlife by being added to Local Biodiversity Action Plans. But they have no protection from development.
Fantastic for us
Not only are Traditional Orchards great for wildlife – we admire their magnificent position in the landscape – particularly at blossom time or when trees are bending with ripe apples. We also enjoy their heritage-variety fruits, whether making cider, perry, juice, or preserves or simply eating straight off the tree. Traditional Orchards provide a living record of our orchard-keeping past – and they need our protection. And we can help preserve their heritage varieties by planting new orchards.
