About Orchard Network

In this section...

Who Are We?

Welcome to Orchard Network! In 2007, Traditional Orchards were designated a 'priority habitat' under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP), having been recognised for their value as a wildlife habitat. In response to this, a group of organisations was formed to establish and deliver a Habitat Action Plan for Traditional Orchards. The group is jointly led by the National Trust and Natural England. As a collective, we are Orchard Network.

Our Responsibilities

Under the UK BAP our responsibilities are to establish a definition for Traditional Orchards (for nature conservation purposes), describe the current status of the habitat, outline the threats they face, set targets and objectives for their conservation and propose actions to achieve their recovery. We also wish to provide a point of reference for the individuals, organisations and partnerships that are delivering action plans for Traditional Orchards at the local level.

Using the website

The purpose of this website is to provide Orchard Network with a means of communicating its work to conservation practitioners, voluntary and charitable organisations involved in orchard conservation and interested individuals. The sites focus is on the Traditional Orchard as a habitat and the species within them, but we have included other sections to act as a portal to the vast amount of information that exists as a result of the work of a great number of organisations, groups and indivuals. We welcome your feedback as to how we can build and improve on the site. Please get in touch using the Contact Us form.