Orchard Network

The European Landscape Convention (2000) has been UK binding since March 2007. Article 5a states that:

“Signatories are expected to recognise landscapes in law as an essential component of people’s surroundings, an expression of the diversity of their shared cultural and natural heritage, and a foundation of their identity.”

In a consultation document, aimed towards expressing the European concept in an English context and entitled ‘All Landscapes Matter’, Natural England (NE) proposes that:

“All landscapes matter: they should be managed, planned and, where appropriate, protected through a landscape character approach to be distinctive and highly valued while delivering a full range of ecosystem goods and services.”

Landscapes in which Traditional Orchards are characteristic elements are worthy of recognition and protection under the terms of these declarations.

National Links

European Landscape Convention - read more about the convention on the Natural England website