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PM 13 - Restore and enhance traditional orchards

Code
PM 13
Measure
Restore and enhance traditional orchards
Description
This often involves low-intensity techniques with sustainable grazing to ensure that they are not overgrazed preventing tree regrowth or damaged by grazing animals. It is important to maintain the open and species-rich grasslands which have been rarely ploughed, sprayed with pesticides or fertilisers. Other aspects can be considered such as leaving deadwood standing, increasing the quality of the wood meadows around the trees, increasing the amount of native wild flowers for pollinators and use of heritage fruit varieties. Scrub habitat could also be created but must maintain the open canopy characteristics of a traditional orchard. Use of more traditional fruit varieties for heritage value as available through the Marcher Apple Network. Engagement with landowners will be key to develop management plans for their traditional orchards.
Wider environmental benefits
Increasing woodland cover Reducing climate change impact Supporting health and cultural services Improving soil health Promoting nature friendly farming Supporting food provision
Links to additional information and guidance

https://ptes.org/campaigns/traditional-orchard-project/orchard-practical-guides/

Priority
Traditional orchards are more extensive, and existing ones are well-managed and restored
Priority description
Traditional orchards are a pivotal feature in Herefordshire, consisting of groups of fruit trees planted at low-density, and typically traditionally managed with low-intensity methods, such as grazing. Fruit trees include traditional varieties of perry pear, apple, plum and cherry which are grazed to maintain diverse grasslands beneath the trees, such as wood meadows, and allowing light to reach trunks for lichen and invertebrates to thrive. They exist in small and isolated pockets across Herefordshire and can be threatened by lack of sustainable management leading to the collapse of trees from age, excessive mistletoe burden, grazing damage and storms as well as conversion to more profitable land uses, including development. Thus, their management and restoration are key to the ongoing existence of this unique habitat.