Natural England Technical Information Note TIN013
Traditional orchards: site and tree selection This information note provides guidance on how to select sites for new orchards and the types of tree to plant within new and existing orchards. Other information notes in the series provide guidance on other aspects of tradition orchards. For an explanation of terms used in this leaflet see TIN021 Orchard glossary.
Key points New orchards can be important in linking existing habitats and reinforcing landscape character. The siting of new orchards should be considered carefully to ensure that they strengthen the local landscape character and that the location is suitable for growing fruit trees. Orchards vary greatly across the country in terms of scale, situation and density, tree form and the type of fruit grown. In both new and existing orchards new planting should reflect the species, fruit varieties and traditional management practiced locally, as well as the uses of the fruit. In most situations trees should be grown on vigorous rootstocks and trained according to local practice (usually as standards or half standards).
Background The term 'traditional orchard' generally refers to groups of fruit and nut trees planted on vigorous rootstocks at low densities in permanent grassland and managed in a low intensity way. There are many regional variations on this theme widely distributed across England, including apple, pear, cherry, plum and damson orchards, and cob-nut plats. Traditional orchards contribute to the landscape mosaic of rural England and have significant
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cultural, wildlife and historic interest and many have occupied the same sites for centuries. Many traditional orchards have been lost to neglect, grubbing up and development over the last 60 years. While the management and restoration of existing orchards takes priority, creating new orchards is important in areas where they have been lost, both for wildlife and to restore the character of the landscape.
Types of orchard Traditional orchards are widely distributed across England. At one time, virtually every farm would have had a mixed orchard close to the farmhouse to shelter livestock, grow fruit for the family and provide an alternative source of income. These would have included a wide range of species including walnuts, apricots, peaches, medlars and quince. Some areas including Kent, East Anglia, Somerset and the three counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire also had traditional orchards growing fruit commercially. These orchards were usually planted away from the farmhouse and often covered large areas. They originally provided dessert or culinary fruit for local markets or for cider and (in the three counties) perry, which was sometimes given in payment to farm workers.