| Wildlife Habitats | |
| Orchards |  |
| Old orchards
are a distinctive, yet rapidly disappearing, part of the Kent countryside.
They make a significant contribution to biodiversity and local
distinctiveness. They support a much wider range of wildlife than the more
commercial orchards due to the less intensive management. Associated
features such as lichen and invertebrate populations on old trees,
underlying grassland, bird and mammal populations that use the orchard,
the surrounding hedgerows and windbreaks all mean that orchards are very
important habitats.
A small Quince orchard located east of Loose Village is the only example of this habitat within the Loose Valley Conservation Area. As is so often the case, it has suffered from lack of management and now needs serious attention if it is to be preserved. Halting the continued loss of old orchards and the restoration of those that remain is a major priority for many organisations. They are highlighted in the Kent Biodiversity Action Plan and money is available from DEFRA under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme to help retain them. |
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