Wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) has launched the latest element in their ongoing orchard conservation work: an interactive community orchard map that lists around 400 community orchard groups across the UK, found at: www.ptes.org/community-orchards.
PTES has identified over 35,000 traditional orchards remaining in England and over 7,000 in Wales.
Alarmingly, this work revealed that 90% of traditional orchards have been lost since the 1950s, with 48% of the orchards surveyed in England and 35% of orchards in Wales found to be in declining condition.
The map allows members of the public to find their nearest community orchard, to meet others who share a common interest in orchards and wildlife, and enjoy the benefits of locally sourced fruit.
Using orchards as a public green space is an effective way to protect orchards from development and sustain these rare habitats into the future
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