Orchard surveys

If somebody asked us exactly how much orchard habitat is there currently within Gwent, we would be hard pressed to come up with an accurate figure to answer the question. Therefore, a major objective of the project is to survey orchards so we can map them and quantify how much we have. This includes surveys of ALL orchards, both old and new. With all the detailed information we gather during our surveys, we can better target conservation efforts to help protect this valuable habitat.

Most of our surveying is done through the effort of volunteers, if you are interested in surveying as part of this project, please contact the project officer.

Orchard in Monmouthshire © Jeff Watson

Provide advice on orchard maintenance and orchard creation

Another of the aims of the project is to provide support and advice to people who want to manage an existing orchard or want to plant a new one.

Orchard Forum

The project will organise an orchard forum once a year. This will be an opportunity for orchard owners and enthusiasts to get together, swap ideas, listen to presentations and talks and should be an excellent networking opportunity.

Training events

We want to enable people to maintain and plant their own orchards with confidence. As a result another of the main targets of the project is to provide training to give people the skills to do just that. Training may cover topics such as fruit tree planting, grafting, and pruning.

Community events

As well as organising events developed to train people in orchard management, we also want to celebrate orchards in others ways. This may be through wildlife walks, apple days, wassailing events or anything else! Details of all events will be available on the events page.

If you would like to be involved in this project, or would like to request further information, please contact Alice Rees, the Perllannau Gwent / Gwent Orchard Project officer on arees@gwentwildlife.org or 01600 740600.