Traditional Orchards are a long established and widely distributed habitat and make a significant contribution to biodiversity, landscape character and local distinctiveness across the UK. Some tips on orchard management from the PTES are below, for full information see the document attached.

Leave dead and decaying wood: Wood decay is part of the natural ageing process of the tree and
dead and decaying wood should be retained. As a tree matures,it will naturally die-back and begin to hollow out enabling it
to remain standing, recycle nutrients and ultimately thrive for longer. Decaying and dead wood, therefore, does not necessarily mean that a tree is in poor health. It will still be able to survive and produce fruit for many years to come whilst providing valuable habitat for numerous species. From a wildlife perspective, standing decaying wood is one of the most valuable elements of the orchard habitat. Hollow trunks, cracks in bark and rot holes support a breathtaking range
of saproxylic (deadwood-dependent) insects and also provide nesting and roosting areas for birds and bats.

Plant young trees: Planting new trees is just as important as retaining old ones and will ensure a succession of habitats for a variety of species. As the trees in your orchard age and die, plan to replace them with young stock, preferably produced from grafted material from existing trees on to vigorous rootstocks.

Hedges and edges: Fruit trees are not the only important component of the orchard habitat. Creating ponds, leaving wild corners, rough edges and retaining species rich hedgerows will increase diversity. Instead of cutting hedges every year, only trim infrequently and do not cut all hedgerows in the same year to ensure availability of fruit and blossom for birds and insects. Retain hedgerow trees where possible. Ungrazed or uncut strips or corners of rough grass provide shelter and food for over-wintering insects, birds, small mammals and good hunting ground for birds of prey.

 For more information on orchard management and biodiversity visit The Orchard network website.

The Peoples Trust for Endangered species is also conducting a traditional orchard survey which you can contribute your own orchards data to and volunteer to collect information on others for the survey.

If you own land that incorporates hedgrows and are looking to manage them you may be eligable for grants to assist you. See the Natural England Grant pages for more information.