 Over the past 2 years the Peoples Trust for Endangered Species have been involved in mapping traditional orchards and are now the main lead in the development of the UK Orchard Inventory. WTOP are working closely with the PTEs so that all data collect on orchards in Wiltshire can be fed into the PTEs National Orchard Inventory. It is believed that this inventory will provide a valuable resource for conservationists and orchard groups across the counties. At present nine counties been covered by the inventory.
Orchards are hotspots for wildlife in the countryside and are composed of a network of Habitats. They support a number of UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species that are rare, protected or scarce. Traditional orchards provide food and shelter for a range of wildlife, but also hold intrinsic value to the countryside. They provide an abundance of local food sources that can be harvested not only by the wildlife but also by the people of Wiltshire.
To find out how you can get involved with the project, which may also involve your local area or community please visit the get involved section. If you have a query, or are seeking further information about orchards in Wiltshire please contact WTOP. Please visit our calendar for up and coming events and our news section for the latest news about orchards in Wiltshire and its surrounding counties. |