|
|
LOCAL BIODIVERSITY AND ST LAURENCE ORCHARD
The
historical, cultural and wildlife significance of St Laurence orchard
is recognised by Southend
Borough Council in their 2005 Local Biodiversity Action Plan. We are
pleased therefore to support the Council's aims by publicising and
promoting the relevant section of this document below. A full copy of
the Local Biodiversity
Action Plan can be found on Southend
Borough Council's official website.
Habitat Action Plan: Traditional Orchard
1.
Habitat Description:
1.1
Traditional orchards are groups of standard fruit trees planted in
permanent grassland. Approximately 150 fruit trees would have
traditionally planted per hectare. The grassland beneath an orchard may
be species rich unimproved grassland that may have been grazed by
livestock.
1.2 Within traditional
orchards there are usually a mixture of varieties of fruit trees that
leads to an extended period of flowering and fruiting. This has
benefits both to pollinating insects and other birds and animals that
may feed on the fruit.
1.3
There is
often a range of local varieties that are found within a traditional
orchard. This may include types of apple, plum, pear and damson. Some
of these varieties may be very old and no longer cultivated
commercially. The old varieties are historically important and an
important element of biodiversity in their own right.
1.4
Orchards may contain trees that are over 60 years old. Because fruit
trees decay quickly, trees may provide deadwood habitats for
invertebrates and potential nesting sites for birds or bats in the
crevices and hollows that follow. Trees may be valuable hosts to
mistletoe, mosses and lichens. Birds will willingly feed on any ripened
fruit that is available, an important food source in the autumn and
winter. Decaying fruit itself will attract insects and earlier in the
year blossom is an important nectar source.
1.5
Modern orchards by comparison have limited value for wildlife because
they tend to be planted much densely with a limited range of varieties
that are grubbed up after 12-15 years. During their life span they are
pruned heavily every year and during the summer months may be sprayed
every 7 days. Beneath the trees a sterile strip of bare earth is also
maintained.
2. Links with species/habitat
action plans:
2.1 The following action plans should be
read in conjunction with this action plan:
• Ancient and Veteran trees
• Bats
• Garden birds
• Reptiles
3. Current Status in the UK:
3.1
In 1997 the Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Fisheries (MAFF)
reported that of the35,557 hecta res of orchards in England only 14%
were managed “traditionally”.
4. Current Status in Essex:
4.1
Essex was once a major contributor to orchard produce in England.
However, manyorcha rds were grubbed up between 1961 and 1995 in
response to agricultural subsidies for intensification of land use.
This has led to 45% decline in non-commercial orchards between 1970
and 1996.
4.2
Essex still produces apples predominantly Cox’s and Bramleys, which are
suitable for the windy and coastal aspects and Worcester’s in the
chalkier regions of Uttlesford. Essex also has the only Quince orchard
in the country.
4.3 In 1996 MAFF
reported that there were 65 hectares of registered, non-commercial
orchards existing in Essex and 1,093 hectares of commercial orchards.
The majority occurring in Tendering, Colchester, Maldon, Chelmsford and
Braintree.
5. Current Status in Southend on
Sea:
5.1
After the First World War a number of orchards were planted around
Southend in an attempt to supply the rapidly growing population of the
town with fresh fruit.
5.2 Most of
these have been lost as a result of development or through changes in
agriculture. One or two examples remain with perhaps the best example
of a traditional orchard being one found in St Laurence Park in
Eastwood that was planted sometime between 1923 and 1936.
6. Current Factors affecting
the Habitat:
6.1 Destruction of this habitat
6.1.1 Continued removal of orchards and individual fruit trees for
agricultural intensification or development.
6.1.2 Neglect and loss of traditional management, leading to derelict
orchards and non-replacement of trees as they die
6.1.3 Neglect and loss of fruiting capacity when surrounded by
secondary woodland.
6.1.4 Use for inappropriate grazing and amenity use, which has led to
tree damage.
6.1.5 Change of landowner can lead to new or inappropriate land use.
6.1.6
Conflict between commercial and conservation objectives. Some features
that benefit wildlife, such as dead wood, may affect fruit production.
6.1.7
Loss of commercial value of traditional orchards - modern bush orchards
are more economic to harvest and less susceptible to pest and diseases
when compared to traditional orchards.
6.2 Lack of awareness
6.2.1 Lack of knowledge of traditional varieties and their preservation.
6.2.2
Many old orchards were, and are, perceived to harbour diseases and
pests by commercial orchard growers. Pressure is sometimes put on
landowners adjacent to commercial growers to remove old orchards.
7. Action Plan objectives –
National:
7.1 There is no national action
plan for this habitat at this moment in time.
7.2 However, there are a number of
objectives within the Essex Biodiversity Action Plan:
7.2.1 Prevent further loss of existing old
orchards.
7.2.2 Restore and manage existing old orchards.
7.2.3 Create new orchards
(community/school/private) using locally characteristic stock.
8. Action Plan objectives –
Local:
8.1 Protect the existing extent of
this habitat and prevent further losses.
8.1.1 Protect the existing quality and extent of this habitat within
Southend on Sea.
8.1.2
Ensure that existing traditional orchards are managed appropriately in
order to maximise the wildlife value and longevity of the fruit tree
stock.
8.2 Increase the extent of
traditional orchards in Southend on Sea.
8.2.1
Consider the planting of new orchards, where appropriate opportunities
are provided, using locally traditional varieties or, if these cannot
be sourced, other suitable varieties.
8.2.2 Increase the extent
of the current orchard resource through new plantings on that site
using locally traditional varieties or, if these cannot be sourced,
other suitable varieties.
8.3 Raise awareness
8.3.1 Publicise the aims of this Action Plan.
8.3.2 Publicise the progress made in delivering this Action Plan in an
Annual Local Biodiversity Action Plan Report.
8.3.3 Seek and work with partners in order to help to deliver the
targets within this Action Plan.
8.3.4 Consider the production of educational material related to this
habitat.
8.3.5
Encourage the recording of biodiversity species found within
traditional orchards, passing all data to the Local Biological Records
Centre and any national database that may be established.
8.3.6
Where possible increase knowledge and appreciation of the value of old
orchards, both in their contribution to biodiversity and their
landscape and cultural value.
9. Targets/Achievements
9.1
Targets and achievements to be highlighted in the Annual Local
Biodiversity Action Plan Report.
10. References
• Essex Habitat Action Plan - 'Old Orchards'
|
|
|
