While only small and scattered orchards exist in the National Park, they can be important areas for wildlife. Often the trees are old and are covered in mosses and lichens some of which are now scarce as they live only on old trees.
The large number of flowers available when the trees are in blossom can be an important food source for bees and other insects. Often where orchards remain, the land around is also of high value to wildlife as it may have existed like this for many years.
Old hedges and trees that surround the orchard have not been removed and the grassland beneath the trees has never been ploughed or fertilised, meaning that many wildflowers and fungi may live amongst the fruit trees.
For advice on the management of orchards see: People’s Trust for Endangered Species Orchard webpages.
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