Contents

Foreword 

Chapter 1: Introduction 
Traditional orchards are under threat 
How can orchard projects help reverse this trend? 
Background to the Orchard Co-operation Project 

Chapter 2: Finding out more about your orchard 
i) Orchard history, heritage and culture 
The importance of history and heritage 
Orchard heritage and how to research it 
Orchards and archaeology 
ii) Orchards, wildlife and crop diversity 
Wildlife 
Crop diversity 
iii) The landscape 
The significance of orchards 
Protecting orchards from development 
iv) Orchard mapping 
Why is mapping important? 
Useful mapping advice 
v) The financial value of orchard products 

Chapter 3: Exploiting the many benefits of orchards 
i) Educational activities 
Running courses to promote orchard skills 
Taking training a stage further 
Working with schools 
Integrating orchards into the school curriculum 
Orchards and healthy eating in schools 
Raising awareness through arts and theatre 
ii) Community well-being 
Community orchards 
Health and the wider community 
Community food projects 
Amenity and public access 
iii) Restoring and safeguarding biodiversity and landscape 
Promoting genetic diversity 
Official designations that aid conservation 
Orchard management guidance 
iv) Creating a thriving local economy 
Adding value 
Buying fruit processing equipment 
Foods and branding linked to 'landscape character' 
‘Protected Name’ schemes 
Exploring different outlets for produce 
More ways to gain support for local orchard produce 
More than fruit and nuts 
Attracting orchard tourists 
Hiring out orchard space to generate income 
‘Sponsor a Tree’ schemes and crop sharing 
What type of business? 

Chapter 4: Attracting funding and other support 
i) Issues to consider and sources of funding 
Funds from the public 
European, national, regional and local support 
Charitable trusts and foundations 
The National Lottery 
Support from local businesses 
Measuring success 
ii) The importance of good communications 
Events and festivals 
Publicity 
Engaging the community 
Interpretation for visitors 
Generating media support 
Starting a campaign 

Chapter 5: Looking to the Future… 

Appendix 1: Business plans and funding applications 
Appendix 2: Traditional Orchards in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan 
Appendix 3: Contacts and useful information