Planting up history: heritage orchards boost biodiversity

A haven for pollinators and wildlife Orchards help create rich, varied habitats perfect for a variety of wildlife. As they age, orchard trees attract invertebrates and nesting birds. Flowers, buds and fruit provide all-season food for pollinators and birds such as Bullfinch and migrating Thrushes. Orchards planted with locally developed or ‘heritage’ fruit varieties also act as genetic vaults, safeguarding traits adapted to the area’s weather, climate and pests.

In 2024/25, Wilder Horsham District team planted 157 new orchard trees, at Mayes Park in Warnham and Aspect Nature Reserve in Rusper.

A new orchard at Mayes Park

Wilder Horsham District’s volunteer workforce helped farmer, James Clapshaw, to recreate a lost landscape on the footprint of an old plum orchard. James sourced a mixture of early and late-fruiting apple and plum varieties, with names like Crawley Reinette, Wadhurst Pippin and Sussex Mother, with the help of a specialist tree nursery and Brogdale National Fruit Collection. Two days of tree planting by our volunteers followed, with each sapling fenced to protect them from browsing deer. The resulting ‘wood pasture’  will provide a connecting habitat between the open fields and shady woodland already present at Mayes Park and contribute to the wider Horsham District Nature Recovery Network.

In time, it may also encourage back species like the Redstart, ants and a wealth of wildflowers that have declined with the destruction of orchard habitats during the 20th century.

A legacy of nature and community

The project, which blends conservation with community participation, nurtures a thriving ecosystem. It also strengthens Sussex’s identity as a resilient, heritage-led producer of quality local food. Volunteers, growers, and residents are cultivating a sustainable legacy for nature, economy, and community alike.

The Nature Recovery Award

For custodians of local land including landowners, land managers and community groups, The Nature Recovery Award offers grant funding up to £5,000 to support practical schemes that enhance and connect habitats across the Horsham District landscape.

The current funding round is open until 30 November 2025.

You can arrange a site visit or phone call to talk through your ideas and strengthen your application. Reach out to Sussex Wildlife Trust via email, WilderHorshamDistrict@sussexwt.org.uk

Join a volunteer work party

Whether you’re experienced or new to conservation, you can join in. Volunteer work parties form the backbone of many on-the-ground projects from hedgerow maintenance to invasive species removal and pond creation. No prior experience is needed, just enthusiasm.

Find out more via the Sussex Wildlife Trust website.