In olden days, traditional orchards were often the centre of village life and a cornerstone of the rural economy. Orchards are also havens for bees, wildlife and meadow flowers.

So many of our traditional fruit trees are in danger of being lost for ever, and the biodiversity of our countryside is constantly under threat.

 

Today, community orchards are perfect places for people come together and learn how to plant and nurture fruit trees. They are places to hold community activities such as Apple Day, with apple-themed events and competitions, juice-making and apple bobbing - and they are precious green places for people to simply relax.

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