A workshop to encourage farmers and landowners to apply for funding for the conservation of traditional orchards is taking place in Wisbech this week.
The event, held jointly by the Rural Development Service (RDS) and the East of England Apples and Orchards Project, will look at how appropriate management and funding under Higher Level Stewardship
(HLS) can help safeguard the future of the remaining, traditional orchards.
It takes place amongst the gnarled apple trees of a 100 year old orchard at Willock Farm, Wisbech St Mary, where farmer David Wheatley has nine hectares of traditional fruits, as well as the new Regional Collection of top fruits.
The orchards will be in full blossom and you are invited to send a film crew/reporter/ photographer to interview David Wheatley, Dr. Nigel Russell from the Rural Development Service and Bob Lever from the East of England Apples and Orchards Project to discuss the project.
At: Willock Farm, Rummers Lane, Wisbech St Mary. PE13 4UB
At: 1:30pm; or during the event between 10:30am and 1pm
On: Thursday 11 May
HLS is a strand of Environmental Stewardship launched in March last year, which aims to conserve wildlife and maintain and enhance landscape quality and character. It also aims to protect natural resources and the historic environment, to promote public access and an understanding of the countryside.
The RDS is keen for farmers and landowners to take advantage of the scheme before the next quarterly deadline of 30 June 2006.
Dr Nigel Russell, an adviser for the Rural Development Service in the East of England said:
"At this time of year when apple trees are in full blossom, traditional orchards offer a spectacle that is hard to beat. In the early and mid 20th century, the orchards around Wisbech were a magnet for sightseers, who visited as part of organised 'blossom tours'. Today, old orchards are still appreciated for their landscape and amenity value, but they are also increasingly recognised for their importance to local biodiversity. "
"As well as orchards, HLS is suitable for a wide range of other farm types and situations. We would welcome being contacted by landowners interested in applying. We can explain how to apply, send information and give case by case advice on whether a potential application is likely to get through the assessment process."
