With the UK being home to over 40,000 orchards, protecting fruit trees is essential – fruit tree shelters play a significant role in achieving this.
The tree fruit agriculture sector is a point of pride for the UK, whether it’s the sprawling orchards of Surrey Heath or the apples ripening in your garden. But there’s more to the UK fruit tree industry than meets the eye. Behind the slowly ripening fruit still on the branch is an industry moving fast, with quite a lot on its plate! (Or fruit platter, perhaps?)
A Brief Overview of the UK Fruit Industry
The UK has always had a rich history with fruit trees, especially when it comes to orchard farming. The UK grows over 2,200 varieties of apples, with many traditional varieties like Cox’s, Bramley, and Gala remaining popular.
When it comes to pears, the Conference pear makes up around 90% of the country’s production, with the remaining 10% including other varieties such as Comice and Concorde.
Commercial orchards make up the majority of the UK’s fruit tree agriculture sector, growing apples, pears, plums, and cherries. Naturally, much of this production is for fresh consumption, but a significant amount goes towards making juices, ciders, and preserves.
Of particular interest is The National Fruit Collection in Kent, one of the largest living collections of fruit trees and plants in the world—containing thousands of different varieties (think Svalbard Global Seed Vault, but considerably less chilly!).
The Core of the Issue
Of course, it hasn’t been plain sailing for the sector, as climate change has presented challenges for growers in recent decades: from mild winters to unpredictable frosts and more frequent extreme weather.
Orchards are vulnerable to temperature fluctuations and unseasonable weather, such as mild winters, which can cause trees to bloom early and ultimately reduce yields.
Rising average temperatures are also increasing the risk of pests, such as aphids and fruit flies, and diseases like apple scab and bacterial canker by expanding the range in which these threats can thrive.
And whilst not exclusively down to climate change, pollinators such as bees are currently struggling, which has a knock-on effect on both the yield and quality of fruit that can be grown.
A Fruitful Future Ahead
Despite these challenges, the UK’s fruit tree industry has a bright future ahead. Thanks to innovations like improved irrigation systems, more biodiverse orchards, and the cultivation of climate-resilient varieties, the sector is learning how to adapt and thrive.
As new orchards are planted and existing ones are replanted, fruit tree shelters play a crucial role in this transition. These shelters are designed to protect young trees from pests and harsh weather, creating a beneficial microclimate that fosters healthy growth. Fruit tree shelters are essential for ensuring that both new and revitalised orchards can flourish, contributing to a vibrant and resilient fruit tree sector in the UK.
