20/09/2021
Hello, it’s Tom from Llanvihangel Court.
I just wanted to get some information out there about the Tree Preservation Order some of you may have heard about that has been put on the apple and pear trees at the fruit farm in the North Park of the estate.
The Brecon Beacons National Park explained that someone had got in touch as they were concerned that all the trees were going to be pulled out.
Unfortunately this was very different to our actual plans, which was to create a more traditional orchard layout, now put on hold because of the TPO. I believe there have also been rumours that the site may be developed for housing or something else. This is definitely not what we would want to happen to the site, in part because we live here and wouldn’t want to create an eye sore for ourselves or anyone else.
The fruit farm was first planted in 1950, by the parents of the current owner. Set up as a commercial fruit farm, rather than a traditional orchard, they used modern commercial stock, rather than larger traditional species. When they decided to stop running the fruit farm, the subsequent tenant, decided to increase the density of the trees to maximise production, leading to more densely packed trees (see photo). Now that the area is not run commercially, the current density of trees will lead to them decaying and eventually falling, so I would imagine the area would become less enjoyable as time goes by. In addition, the cover provided by the density of trees means it seems to have become a spot for drinking, as there are quite a few empty cans of lager and cigarette ends dotted around the place.
In contrast, our aim is to create a more appealing layout, keeping some of the current trees but thinning them out. As recognised by many, more traditional orchards, as opposed to fruit farms, have dwindled as have older stocks of trees. As highlighted by the People's Trust for Endangered Species, in their Traditional Orchard Project,
"Traditional orchards are designated priority habitats. Unfortunately we are seeing an alarming rate of loss of this amazing habitat".(https://ptes.org/campaigns/traditional-orchard-project/)
This is the habitat we were about to create, prior to the TPO. We would aim to have a lower density of trees, for example clusters of trees, with spaces between these clusters of around 10 metres for apples, and 20 metres for pears. Over this area we might have perhaps 4 to 5 areas of orchard made up of several different species. This would balance the benefits that they bring for biodiversity and amenity with the broader benefits of the grounds for people to enjoy. We are also considering introducing older species, again for the benefits they offer, as well as for their historical importance. Existing foot paths across the estate will allow people to enjoy more natural clusters of tree, alongside a more formal structure of the avenue of trees, creating greater opportunities for enjoyment by local residents and visitors.
I was walking past the Community Orchard in Abergavenny last week (photos attached) and this highlighted what an actual orchard looks like, in contrast to the existing fruit farm. Another example of what we are looking to do is an orchard at Bradenham Manor (attached).
The TPO will be either confirmed or rejected in early December so if you have a view either way you can email the National Park, using the reference “TPO50, 2021” to [email protected]
If you have any questions about this or would like some more information then do message me on here or you can email me at [email protected]
