Orchard Network

Traditional Orchards were added to the list of priority habitats in 2007. This came about as a result of campaigning by organisations such as Common Ground and Local Orchard Groups to highlight the importance of Traditional Orchards for wildlife and discussions and scientific research commissioned by English Nature (now Natural England). The application for priority status received strong support from a range of nature conservation organisations.

Implementation

At the national level, each action plan is led by a Lead Partner (usually a government agency or conservation organisation or charity). The Lead Partner takes responsibility for co-ordinating a steering group of several organisations. Together, they work towards implementing the action plan. At the local level, Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) contribute to the UK BAP, working locally (usually county level) to address the needs of habitats and species important in their area. Seventeen of the LBAPs have specific targets for the conservation of Traditional Orchards.

The Traditional Orchard Habitat Action Plan is jointly led by Natural England and the National Trust. Together they head up the Traditional Orchard HAP steering group - Orchard Network.

Downloads

View the full working HAP document here - including the definition of a traditional orchard

Minutes of national HAP steering group meetings

June 2010

October 2010

Links

Natural England - full list of species associated with Traditional Orchards (use the tabs at the bottom of the spreadsheet)

Image: NTPL/Richard Harris