Traditional orchards are a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), in which unimproved pasture and veteran fruit trees may co-exist to form a species-rich, multi-layered ecosystem.  Old fruit trees provide essential nesting habitat for rare birds, such as hawfinch and lesser-spotted woodpecker, as well as for the BAP priority species like spotted flycatcher and tree sparrow.  They are also particularly important habitats for saproxylic (wood-eating) invertebrates.  Grassland between the fruit trees may form a diverse sward, similar to that of unimproved neutral pasture.  Traditional orchards require periodic fruit tree maintenance and regular grazing by cattle and sheep.

Apple blossom

The Trust has organized the restoration of a number of orchards in villages on the lower southern slopes of Bredon Hill, an area once famous for its fruit production.  The replanting of apple and perry pear trees has been carried out under DEFRA’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme, which are grown organically without the use of farm chemicals.  The emphasis has been placed on conserving old fruit varieties, and in particular those native to Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire.  For a more detailed description of the programme please see our orchard restoration page.  A comprehensive list of the apple and pear varieties now grown by the Trust is available here.

Daffurn’s Orchard, is a ‘community’ orchard in the village of Kemerton, purchased in 2000 by the Trust, using funds generously donated by local people.  The 0.7 acre (0.3 ha) site will be managed in perpetuity as a traditional orchard for the benefit of the wildlife and local residents. It is run by a committee made up from local people (KOW) and Trust representatives.
 

Daffurns orchard

Grange Orchard, Kemerton is a remnant of a small orchard dating from at least the nineteenth century, formerly belonging to Grange Farm.  This orchard was re-planted with old local varieties of apple and pear in January 2003.

The Lillans, Kemerton, at 9 acres (3.6 ha) is the largest of the orchards under the Trust’s management.  It is described as an orchard on deeds dating back more than two hundred years.  It was re-planted in the late nineteenth century although only a very few of these veteran apple trees now survive.  The orchard has been gradually replanted since the 1980s – mostly with eating and culinary apple varieties, but also with some cider apples.

The Lillans Orchard

The Pear Orchard, Kemerton is a modern orchard, planted on old grassland and comprising a collection of varieties including the old Worcester Black Pear.

Stable Orchard, Kemerton is the remnant of a nineteenth century orchard now almost devoid of fruit trees.  Four perry pear trees were planted in 2006.  A full restoration of the apple orchard is planned for 2008-2009.

Upstones Orchard, Bredon, is probably a fairly modern damson orchard  - efforts are being made to conserve an example of what was once a very common local feature. 

     
Upstones orchard

Val’s Orchard, Kemerton, is the remnant of an orchard dating back at least to the early 17th century.  Several fruit trees were planted here in 2002.

Wells Orchard, Kinsham is a remnant perry pear orchard, with one or two apple trees.  It has subsequently been planted up with more perry pear trees and two apple varieties.

Back to Map

Click here to return to our home page >>>

This Page Revised: March 10, 2009.

Visitors. If you cannot see our navigation bar and banner you've probably 'Googled' this individual page - click here to experience our full website and navigate to other pages.