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CONSERVING TRADITIONAL LANDSCAPES
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Traditional landscapes in the Stour Valley, such as orchards and
parklands, should be conserved for their landscape, historical and wildlife
value.
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Orchards
The Kentish landscape is strongly identified with fruit
growing - this is where the name 'the Garden of England' originates from. There
is much less land in fruit growing across the county than in the past, but it
still dominates in many areas, including parts of the KSCP project area.
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No Man's Orchard in blossom
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In recent years, many traditional orchards have been lost as
the old, tall trees have been grubbed out and replaced with modern dwarf
varieties that ease harvesting. Where old orchards remain they are now
recognised as of great value: they are part of local history and culture,
sometimes containing traditional local fruit varieties, and are a distinctive
feature of the landscape. The old trees are also of value to wildlife -
particularly birds, insects and lichen.
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Parklands
The Stour Valley contains many areas of ancient parkland.
These ornamental landscapes, designed to complement the stately homes they
surround, are a valuable part of the history of the countryside. They often
contain habitats for wildlife too, in particular 'veteran' trees planted as part
of the parkland vistas, which are good for insects and birds.
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Godmersham Park
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The Great Storm of October 1987 did a lot of damage to
parklands in the Project Area, but many are being gradually restored. Aspects of
these landscapes have also been lost as some land has been put into agriculture
or simply neglected.
Grants for landowners to
conserve traditional landscapes |
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Wild Sites contents page
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