Orchard Network

Traditional Orchards need management. A neglected orchard soon becomes swamped with scrub and the trees will eventually succumb. With no new planting, the orchard's value for wildlife will not be sustained, and if the trees are not adequately cared for and protected from grazing animals, they will suffer. An orchard that is well managed (in a low intensity way) will both crop well and function as an important wildlife habitat.

The information on these pages has been provided by Natural England, and has been developed specifically for owners of Traditional Orchards who are interested in managing their orchards in a way that benefits wildlife, or who are considering entry into agri environemnt schemes.

Please use the links in the lefthand menu. Fuller coverage of each topic is given as a downloadable PDF at the foot of each page.

Image: NTPL/Ross Hoddinott