Abandoned orchards? NO THEY’RE NOT!
The orchards on this part of the farm were planted with Worcester and Bramley apples back in 1985 (the standard Bramley in 1938) and with trial desert varieties in 2006. These varieties are no longer commercially viable. The soil they are on is mostly good quality, but although other crops could be grown here, they would still depend heavily on artificial fertilisers and chemicals; the net financial return would be small. More importantly, perhaps, the chemicals would add to river pollution as the fields drain into nearby watercourses which discharge into the Lesser Teise and ultimately The Medway interfering with the delicate balance of aquatic life.
At the same time, by allowing self-sown native plants to grow amongst the trees, the land can make a huge contribution to local biodiversity, carbon sequestration and flood and drought resilience. A particular bonus is the increase in insect life; nectar-producing wildflowers benefit bees, that will in turn pollinate other commercially grown fruit and vegetables as well as providing essential food and shelter for wild birds and other animals. The increase in the many other insects form the basis of the food pyramid upon which all life is built.
Fruit is allowed to grow as normal, although without chemical sprays it isn’t blemish free and therefore not up to supermarket standards; it does not, however, go to waste. The crop is picked by volunteers organised by The Felix Project, a London charity that gathers and distributes unsaleable and waste fruit and vegetables to feed those in food poverty; this is distributed through the free school meals programme as well as providing support throughout the school holidays. Any windfalls are devoured by both our native and incoming migratory birds during the winter and provide an invaluable additional food source.
Take time to stroll the path alongside. In spring as the trees blossom listen out for Chiffchaffs, early Blackcaps and then Cuckoos, as well as spotting early bumble bees and insects searching for nectar. On warm summer days look and listen out for Turtle Doves, Linnets and Yellowhammers as well as Barn Owls hunting over the vole-rich grassland in the gathering dusk. Then on frosty winter mornings enjoy the sight and sound of Fieldfares and Redwings, and our native thrushes and blackbirds, feeding on the last of the fruit, and the hedgerow berries. Ponder too the benefits that working with nature can bring to the land and wildlife, and pleasure for we people that depend on it – and, from these orchards, for children in need of food.
PS. This is still a working farm, so keeping your dog on a lead will keep it safe and make sure it doesn’t disturb the wildlife or harm other dogs or people.
