News

The People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is seeking local volunteers to help both locate and survey traditional orchards in the area.

Traditional orchards were previously a common feature of our British landscape however they have since become neglected or replaced in favour of development and modern agricultural techniques.

Traditional orchards can be recognised by widely spaced, standard sized trees and are often grazed using sheep or cattle. They are managed in a low intensive way without the input of pesticides and herbicides.

These orchards are known to be hotspots of biodiversity and support a wide range of wildlife including many species which are nationally rare or scarce. In particular old fruit trees are of key importance to the elusive Noble Chafer beetle, which is one of the UK’s most endangered beetles and has declined over the last century, predominantly as a result of loss of habitat.

Anita Burrough, Orchard Officer for PTES says “Help us learn more about these amazing, species rich, orchards habitats which have been part of our cultural heritage for hundreds of years - finding out their location is just the start!”

PTES are also appealing for owners and managers of orchards and land with old fruit trees to contact them and become involved in the project.

Information packs will be provided for all participants. To get involved or request further information please contact Anita Burrough, PTES Orchard Project officer by email on anita@ptes.org, or by phone on 020 7498 4533.