An exciting project to restore traditional Suffolk orchards is underway in the historic Sandlings area of the county.

Many of Suffolk’s traditional orchards have been lost over the past 100 years. Traditional orchards provide unique habitats to many bird, insect, and animal species, several of which wholly depend on the orchard. They also capture carbon, improve soil health, and help to reduce localised flooding.

For Years 1 and 2 of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, £57,226 was awarded to farmers in the East Suffolk Farmer Group to create 16 new orchards in the Sandlings area of south Suffolk.

The new orchards have been planted in different locations to connect with existing wildlife habitats, such as woodland and hedgerows. The orchards have a wide range of trees some of which have become very rare, including cobnut, walnut, and heritage fruit varieties.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is funded by Defra and managed locally by the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team.

Nigel Chapman, Chair of the Farming in Protected Landscapes decision-making panel commented:

“The value of traditional orchards cannot be underestimated. They can support hundreds of species of plants, animals and fungi, they are a true sign of the seasons for us all, from spring blossoms through to an array of autumn fruit, and they can help satisfy the demands of any ever-increasing market for seasonal and locally sourced produce.”

For the 2022-23 financial year, the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme supported the farming community with grants totalling £233,654 for 14 projects in the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We are delighted to confirm that additional funds are available for 2023/24 totalling £345,443. So far around half of this fund has been committed to projects.

Due to its overwhelming success, the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has been extended until March 2025, and the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty team is inviting farmers and land managers to apply for a grant.

Projects support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage, or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.

For more information or to discuss a potential project, contact Farming in Protected Landscapes Officer, Alex Dinsdale, on 01502 674630 or email [email protected]