Revealing the true picture of Fife's traditional orchards
A survey of traditional orchards on Fife's Tay coast has recorded over 1500 trees on 75 different sites, and says Newburgh has such a significant concentration that it must be better recognised as a unique orchard town.
- By Gordon Berry and Cheryl Peebles
- Published in the Courier : 31.08.10
- Published online : 31.08.10 @ 07.45am
The statement comes in a report to the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust from Dr Crispin Hayes, who has recommended that some sites should be protected from development.
During his work he looked at the coast from just outside Newburgh to Tayport and as far inland as Cupar, Falkland and Auchtermuchty.
Dr Hayes said that apart from the 1500 trees found during the survey there are 1000 more in Newburgh, which, along with Lindores Abbey, was the subject of a separate survey a few years ago.
He said Newburgh probably has the largest concentration of mature fruit trees in Scotland, and is highly relevant among traditional orchards.
Setting the historical context, Dr Hayes said the Tay coast lies in close proximity to the Carse of Gowrie, which is recognised as one of Scotland's great orchard areas.
He said that the importance of monastic locations to the growth of pomiculture has been well established.
There is some evidence, he said, that orchard culture had permeated further into Fife, and this had been one focus of his study.
Dr Hayes said fruit in the orchards included apples, pears, plums and species such as greengage and cherry.
Pressure
He found there are 36 remaining orchards with significant heritage and biodiversity value, that orchards are still under pressure of total or partial loss and that most are neglected in terms of management.
The best remaining orchards are in locations including Grange of Lindores, Leuchars, Cupar, Strathmiglo and Wormit, with some trees over 100 years old.
Dr Hayes has come up with a number of recommendations and says the best remaining orchards should have a presumption against planning permission being granted.
It is possible, he said, this could be achieved by achievement of heritage or biodiversity status.
Planning officers, he said, should be made aware of the best remaining orchards and their status.
He also recommended awareness be raised of the value of orchards in terms of heritage, fruit, potential economic benefits and biodiversity.
Management options should be explored with owners and there should be a "carrot rather than a stick" style of engagement.
Hostile
This, he said, would avoid intrusive instruments such as tree preservation orders, as they are likely to create a hostile relationship.
He also said the rationale for retaining orchards needs to be developed and promoted to owners.
Dr Hayes has also referred to new orchards in north-east Fife, with a total of around 300 trees, planted at schools and other sites by Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.
Meanwhile, a plentiful supply is expected for Newburgh plum market on Saturday.
The first market on Saturday was declared a success by Newburgh Orchard Group, with supply matching demand.
The market is in St Katharine's Court from 9.30am to noon.
Photo used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user andyket.
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