Stocken Orchard sward & orchard management

The continued management of our orchard following on from our very successful Project 59. The running of a harvester and some tractor and Land Rover costs required for the management of the orchard. Removal of fruit essential for keeping the flower-rich grassland which would otherwise be out-competed by nettles and thistles which benefit from the nutrient input from fallen fruit, leaving at least a quarter of the orchard unpicked each year as food for wintering birds. Staff-time is included to manage volunteers and carry out the harvest. There will be an open day with a demonstration of horse-logging in the orchard to promote our conservation work. Volunteers will continue to be trained and equipped to carry out the ongoing pruning. This Project will maintain our other LCF-funded orchards including purchasing a water-bowser and planting and caring for new trees. These orchards will all be managed to conserve and enhance the wildlife habitat as at Stocken.