More than 50% of the orchards present in Cambridgeshire in the 1930s have been lost and each year more orchards are lost. Nestled behind the recreation ground at Harston lies Harston Orchard, a rare example of a traditionally managed orchard with many old apple varieties and gnarled lichen covered trees. The Parish Council own the site and the Cambridge Green Belt Project assist with practical management.
The orchard is a wonderful mix of traditionally managed meadow, orchard, dense scrub and hedgerows. The whole site is managed sympathetically for the benefit of wildlife.
Bee Orchid
enlarge
As you enter the site you will first see the meadow. This area is traditionally managed as a hay meadow and will only be cut once or twice a year outside of the main flowering season. Bee and Common Spotted Orchids have been seen in the meadow in recent years which is an encouraging sign that the management regime is successful. Other species you can expect to see include meadow sweet, wild basil, agrimony, kidney vetch, lady's bedstraw, cut-leaved cranesbill and self heal.
Walking past the mature hedge to the north of this area you will enter the orchard. There are a number of original mature trees left on site that are thought to include traditional varieties such as the Laxton Superb and Bramley. Old orchards play an important part in preserving traditional or uncommon fruit varieties. Once forgotten this old orchard has been bought back to life through the hard work of local people. Scrub had hidden many of the fruit trees and this has now been cleared to allow the trees to flourish. This is ongoing work to encourage growth of the orchard trees and to involve local residents.
The old trees present are of a distinctive habit, branching almost from the stool. The distinctive nature of the orchard is to be kept with sympathetic planting of new fruit trees to replace those that have been lost to old age.
Old orchards are valuable wildlife habitats providing a variety of habitats for a range of species. Birds, bees, beetles, bugs, butterflies, moths and small mammals will use the orchard. The spring blossom and autumnal fruits provide nectar and food, whilst the dead wood and holes in trees provide shelter and homes for more specialist species. The surrounding habitat of hay meadow and scrub, bramble and ivy all go towards making this a rich and diverse habitat.
A recent moth-trapping event held at the orchard revealed over 100 different species of moth! Species found included the small elephant hawk-moth, Privet hawk-moth and the buff tip.
Following the path around from this area you will enter an area of denser scrub. This area has been taken over by ash and elder and provides additional habitat for the wildlife using the site. Areas of scrub have been cleared to open up this area to encourage the ground layer to develop and to increase its wildlife value.
Why not visit this tranquil and beautiful orchard? The whole area is open access and visitors are very welcome to visit the orchard and take apples from the windfall! Each season will see the orchard change in character, but is particularly beautiful in May when the apple blossom is out. Regular events are held at the Orchard including Community workdays and Apple Days. These will be advertised on the events page throughout the year.
Saturday 21st October - National Apple Day Celebrations This event has been cancelled
Wednesday 29th November - Volunteer Work Day
Full details will appear on the events page as soon as they are available, or contact the Project Officer on 01954 713530.
The orchard is located 4 miles south of Cambridge. Take the A10 to Harston and just before the village shop turn left down 'The Limes' (sign posted to Recreation Ground and Community Orchard). There is parking in the recreation ground. Access the orchard in the bottom left hand corner of the recreation ground. Look at a map
For further information about orchards in the local area and their importance to wildlife please visit:
