A rare and picturesque example of an early twentieth century walnut orchard is being helped to mature gracefully thanks to funding from the Rural Development Service (RDS)
Orchard Farm, near Boxted on the Suffolk/Essex border, has been in a Countryside Stewardship (CSS) Agreement since 1995. The Scheme has funded sympathetic management to ensure continued survival of the walnut orchard, a cobnut plat (orchard) and damson terraces, which together comprise a unique corner of East Anglia's landscape.
In recent decades the demise of traditional orchards has been a great loss to the landscape and biodiversity of Essex and across East Anglia. Apple, pear and plum orchards were traditionally a feature of many parts of the region. East Anglia has also had a role in the heritage of the walnut, though old walnut orchards in the region, tend to be much smaller in extent and fewer in number than traditional top fruit orchards.
Ian Pitcairn, conservation advisor for the owner, said:
"We have several examples of old orchards on the farm and with RDS funding under CSS, and from next year under the new Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) scheme, we hope to preserve the mature trees as well as planting new ones. The walnut orchard grew out of a 1927 project to rejuvenate English walnut growing; this is the only surviving site. We have also brought back into production the Sweet Chestnut Coppice plantation which had been neglected for 30 years and will soon be ready for the first harvest."
Nigel Russell, an advisor with the Rural Development Service, said:
"This is a fabulous example of a mature walnut orchard including East Anglian varieties such as 'Champion of Ixworth', 'Bardwell 'and 'Stowlangtoft'. The extent of this seventy year old planting makes it unique in East Anglia and almost certainly gives it national significance. The orchard is delightfully sited, straddling a steep sided valley, adding to its special charm. The old cobnut plat and damson terraces are also interesting plantings and the latter appear to have added historical significance as we believe they were constructed and planted by the Land Army during World War II.
"The landowner is looking to renew his agreement under the new Higher Level Stewardship Scheme which replaces Countryside Stewardship. The new scheme aims to encourage farmers and landowners to deliver simple but effective environmental management to maintain the countryside, encourage wildlife and protect the historic environment. Maintenance, restoration and re-creation of traditional orchards in East Anglia is an important target of the scheme and landowners who wish to consider such work as part of an HLS application should contact their local Rural Development Service office."
