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Description
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Site Description(Taken from the application pack prepared by FWAG) ORCHARD"There are 'soft and gentle sounds' caused by the movement of boughs and leaves; 'sweet notes' for singing birds; 'the feel' of the coole fruits; 'refreshing ayres' to be found in the shaded walks, seats and arbours; 'the pleasing sight' of the order of planting of the trees, their decent formes and well‑composed alleys; 'the pleasant and delicate colours' of the leaves, blossoms and fruits that shew themselves in great variety; 'the most precious odour' of blossom perfuming the air throughout the orchard; and 'the taste' from all sorts of ripe and raw fruits besides meats and drinks and many dainties made of them" Ralph Austen from his 'A Treatise on Fruit Trees' 17th C BackgroundInitial research suggests that the orchard was planted in the 1890s as the site developed into a market garden/nursery, with most of the trees being planted on top of the 4m ridges at 2 -4 m spacing. The orchard itself is approximately 1.3ha in size surrounding 0.35ha of buildings, formal garden and glasshouses. As detailed in the Stage One Orchard Survey the area was planted with about 400 fruit trees using a vast range of apple, plum, pear and damsons varieties, although many of these have now died. The names of most of the varieties have been passed to Mr Davey from the previous owner . The trees have not been managed positively for many years and much of the area is now scrub. All of the trees need urgent attention. ImportanceThe Old Nurseries orchard is one of the most important in the county due to its size and range of varieties. The mix of apples, plums, pears and damsons are unique to this site and it is possible that a number of varieties exist that are thought to be extinct or very rare. At least 3 of the known varieties are traditional to Lincolnshire and this orchard may be the last source of others. The importance of the site have been confirmed by Common Ground (organisers of Apple Day), Mr Craig Pillans (Lincolnshire apple expert and historian) and Mr Ian Pitcairn (national apple expert - managing Cross O’Cliff Orchard) The ThreatLack of positive management over the years due to time and financial constraints has resulted in degradation to all of the fruit trees. Some trees have already died and the remaining need urgent attention to ensure survival. Disease has set in. The NeedAll the fruit trees at the Old Nurseries have been located and tagged. There were originally 400 trees of which 262 still stand. Most of these trees have not been pruned for decades and therefore at least minor tree surgery will be needed as opposed to a light prune (see letter of support from tree surgeon Mr Pawson of Stainton by Langworth). Viable gaps exist for the replanting of 122 trees, leaving some dead standing timber for wildlife. Management guidelines are given in appendix 3. SCRUBBackgroundScrub has developed under and around the fruit trees over the last 20 years or so due to lack of positive orchard management. Much of the scrub is suckering plum and damson, although there is also hawthorn encroachment from the hedge line. Some of the thicker scrub appears to be where whips where heeled in ready for sale or planting out and from within the old glasshouses. Mr Davey has cleared some areas over the years for grazing and growing vegetables but the majority exists. ImportanceThe scrub growth provides valuable wildlife habitat as well as shelter to the house, sheep and trees. However, such dense growth is taking over from the fruit trees and preventing access and management. The ThreatScrub growth threatens the very nature of an orchard and speeds up the degradation of the trees. Positive tree identification and management is almost impossible in the thicker areas. Although scrub growth will continue if unchecked, removal of all the scrub will reduce the wildlife value of the site. The NeedThe Orchard Layout and Scrub Removal Plan identifies the areas to clear and which to leave so as to benefit wildlife and the orchard trees. Approximately 80% of the existing scrub should be cleared leaving a 10m wildlife corridor and shelter belt around the edge of the site. Work is to be phased over 5 years with ongoing scrub control necessary in the early years. Cleared ground under the trees will then be fenced off and managed as part of the species rich grass pasture, with seeding where necessary. Orchard tree work will generally follow the scrub removal programme. GRASSLANDBackgroundThe 2.92ha of grassland at the Old Nurseries is old ridge and furrow running north/south. The southern section of 1.7ha was once ploughed and used as part of the nursery although the field markings are still visible today. A survey was undertaken on 5th July 1986 revealing the northern section to be species rich with 18 species of grass and over 30 species of flower and herb present in the sward . The southern section although reseeded with an agricultural mix including clover and ryegrass is showing signs of diversification as seed spreads from the north. ImportanceVery few species rich hay meadows survive in Lincolnshire today and so this small island is of great importance both locally and regionally. The diverse sward not only contains scarce grasses, flowers and herbs but attracts an array of insects and birds. The presence of the ridge and furrow field markings provide historical interest too. The ThreatSympathetic management is crucial if this meadow is going to survive and continue spreading. The meadow is not only under threat from overgrazing but also from possible application of fertiliser as less and less hay is being produced. The NeedThe meadows at the Old Nurseries requires continued sympathetic management. Such a regime would allow plants to flower and set seed at least one year in three before cutting to a height of 20 - 50 cm. Aftermath’s should be lightly grazed to maintain a healthy sward and no fertiliser should be applied, although well rotted farm yard manure may be considered if necessary. Chain harrowing should only be carried out late summer/autumn to avoid disturbance to ground nesting birds. Managing in this way should conserve the present species diversity and help spread seed further into the southern section. Financial assistance is vital if such a regime is to be adopted and preserved. HEDGEROWSBackgroundThe Old Nurseries is surrounded on all four sides by hedgerow of various structure and condition. While hedgerows have been ripped out in all directions over the last 20 years, the need for stock proof boundaries and shelter at the Old Nurseries have helped preserve its network. Only the southern boundary hedge is of manageable size with all others being tall, scrubby and blousy. ImportanceThere exists a range of excellent hedgerow habitats around The Old Nurseries all of which have considerable historical and landscape value. The southern hedge is dense old coppice 3 -5 m in height full of Midland hawthorn, some blackthorn, oak, ash, elder, field maple and dog rose. This hedge marks the boundary of the Wragby and West Torrington parishes. The historical western hedge (probably late Saxon in age) is the old East Lindsey and West Lindsey district boundary, and contains 10 woody species including 3 large field maples, hawthorn, blackthorn, crab apple and ash. The northern and eastern hedges are variable with the majority being a fine scrubby double hedge over 5m tall. The hedgerows are adjacent to the West Torrington road and are also visible from the Louth/Wragby road, breaking up the open local landscape. The ThreatThe hedgerows at The Old Nurseries are very important wildlife, landscape and historic features. However, lack of positive management in recent years due to time and financial constraints has resulted in considerable degradation to many of the hedges. Lengths, particularly on the southern boundary are becoming leggy. Many are too tall and wide to manage at all. The NeedThere is need for urgent restoration
work on The Old Nurseries hedgerows, including gapping up, laying, and
coppicing. The Hedge Restoration
Plan shows the proposed 5 year timetable of works. Financial
assistance will be vital if the work is to go ahead.
The Davey family are keen to carry out conservation
across the whole site, with the planned hedgerow work designed to
compliment orchard and meadow projects. Access and EducationOpen access is deemed unsuitable due to the size and character of The Old Nurseries but the Davey family are keen to invite school parties to the site for educational purposes. Mr Davey is an experienced school teacher presently at Carre’s Grammar School in Sleaford and St. Bernard’s Special School in Louth. He is a governor at De Aston School in Market Rasen, which has already shown interest in visits by science and geography departments. St. Bernard’s pupils have made four visits so far this year, including one to collect and juice apples for cider. A teachers pack would be of great interest and use. Common Grounds Apple Day may also be an ideal opportunity to share the unique orchard experience with the public. (Page last updated) 19 January 2004
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