A huge effort is under way to try to restore Suffolk's traditional orchards - many of which have been lost over the last 100 years.
Thousands of pounds in grant aid is being poured into creating orchards along coastal areas through the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme.
The programme is funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and managed locally by the Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) team.
In the 2022-23 financial year, it supported the farming community with grants totalling £233,654 for 14 projects - some involving orchards - in the Coast & Heaths AONB.
Among the projects was one by the East Suffolk Farmer Group which was awarded £57,226 to create 16 new orchards in the Sandlings area of south Suffolk as part of years 1 and 2 of the four-year programme. Another scheme to restore orchards in the area was supported under a separate project.
The programme chiefs said they were delighted to confirm that additional funds are available protected landscapes schemes for 2023-24 totalling £345,443. So far around half of this fund has been committed to projects.
Due to its overwhelming success, the programme has been extended until March 2025, and the Coast & Heaths AONB team is inviting farmers and land managers to apply for a grant for environmental schemes.
Traditional orchards are seen as providing a huge number of benefits. They provide unique habitats to many bird, insect, and animal species - as well as capturing carbon, improving soil health, and helping to reduce localised flooding.
The new orchards - which contain a range of trees some of which have become very rare such as cobnut, walnut and heritage fruit varieties - have been planted in different locations to connect with existing wildlife habitats, such as woodland and hedgerows.
Nigel Chapman, chairman of the Farming in Protected Landscapes decision-making panel, said: "The value of traditional orchards cannot be underestimated.
"They can support hundreds of species of plants, animals and fungi, they are a true sign of the seasons for us all, from spring blossoms through to an array of autumn fruit, and they can help satisfy the demands of any ever-increasing market for seasonal and locally sourced produce."
Projects support nature recovery, mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and cultural heritage, or support nature-friendly, sustainable farm businesses.
Farming in Protected Landscapes officer Alex Dinsdale said: "We always invite people to get in touch with use if they think they have a suitable scheme. We'll go out and meet them and do a site visit about the proejct and we'll help to give them the best possible chance of securing that funding."
For more information or to discuss a potential project, Alex Dinsdale on 01502 674630 or email AONBFarmGrants@suffolk.gov.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here