A Taste Of Tradition

Orchards have been a feature of the Northern Ireland countryside for many generations.

Although most of today’s commercial orchards are located in Co. Armagh, many people still recall small traditional orchards on the farm for family use. These orchards contained many local apple as well as pear, plum and damson varieties. Many of these small orchards have been neglected or removed over the last 25 years.

Agri-environment scheme participants can enter a traditional orchard option as part of their Countryside Management Scheme (CMS) or Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (ESAS) agreements. The option aims to ensure the survival of traditional fruit varieties and contributes to the local biodiversity and wildlife value of the farm. Traditional orchards also enhance the visual and historical value of the landscape.

Dennis Lavery from Loughgall, Co. Armagh currently manages 0.40 hectares under the traditional orchard option. He has pruned and replanted many varieties of apple such as Lord Derby, Lord Lambourne, Kemp and Norfolk Royal which were all traditional to his locality. He also grows the Conference variety of pear tree.

Dennis commented: “By participating in the Countryside Management Scheme, I have been able to retain this traditional orchard, rather than replanting with commercial varieties”.

If you are interested in restoring or recreating a traditional orchard you can receive further information from Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office.