Traditional orchards

A traditional orchard is a minimum of 5 or more fruit or nut trees with crown edges less than 20 metres apart, managed in a low-intensity way.

Orchards are easily distinguishable from other woodland habitats because the majority of trees are ofdomestic fruit and nut species.

Typical fruit and nut tree species found in orchards are:

• apple
• quince
• pear
• plum
• cherry
• damson
• cobnut
• walnut

Traditional orchards are managed in a much less intensive way than modern, commercial orchards.

Commercial orchards typically use inorganic fertilisers, herbicides, regular mowing and pest control. Few orchards are still traditionally grazed or cut for hay but they often still enjoy a low level of management with mowing taking the place of stock grazing.

Traditional orchards can be biodiversity hotspots supporting a variety of species including some that are rare or endangered. Unfortunately they have declined in recent years making conservation of the remaining orchards a high priority. Traditional orchards are recognized as a National Priority Habitat.

We are launching the Traditional Orchard Survey to map and survey traditional orchards as this is an important step in protecting them from threats.

Orchards can be wildlife hotspots supporting many UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority habitats and species.

Traditional orchards support a mosaic of habitats: from grassland and scrub to fruit trees and deadwood.

These habitats can provide a refuge for over 1,800 species of plant, animal and fungi.

Long-standing traditional orchards with ancient or veteran trees can support rare species such as the Noble Chafer beetle (Gnorimus nobilis) and Orchard Tooth-fungus (Sarcodontia crocea).

Traditional orchards have a long history associated with nurserymen, cider production and later as ‘farm orchards’ in villages and small settlements. They have played a valuable role in local food production.

Many fruit varieties have historical associations with specific places or counties. Buckinghamshire was particularly known for cherry and plum orchards around the south of Aylesbury Vale and across the Chilterns.

For example, the:

• Stewkley Red plum
• Allgrove’s Superb plum
• Bullace Langley plum
• Prestwood Black cherries

All of these historic varieties and many others are threatened by the continued decline and loss of traditional orchards.

Land intensification and neglect are both detrimental to traditional orchards.

There has also been a loss of knowledge of traditional management techniques.

Isolation and reduction in the size of orchards decreases:

• the dispersal success meaning that species find it more difficult to move to a a new, more suitable habitat
• species richness (number of species in that area)
• the chance of survival for many species in the habitat

The location of many traditional orchards in and around villages makes them particularly susceptible to housing development.

If you have a traditional orchard or know of any that you would like to be included in our inventory, contact us.

Send us your name and contact details as well as the orchard's location (preferably a 6 figure grid reference).

Additional information is always welcome such as:

• the number of trees
• species (fruit or variety)
• age (young, mature, ancient or veteran)
• habitats present (e.g. garden, boundaries, fields)
• current management (for example low or high intensity, pruning, mowing, grazing)
• photographs

You can also download and use this Traditional Orchard Form (DOCX, 32KB) and email this to us at erc@buckinghamshire.gov.uk.

To request this Recording Form in a different format, or if you would like more information about this project, please contact us.