A comprehensive survey has revealed that the Clyde Valley remains Scotland’s biggest and most concentrated orchard area, with over 5000 plum, apple and damson trees.
Carried out between August 2016 and February 2017, the survey took place as part of the National Orchard Inventory for Scotland (NOIS).
Although this survey indicates that the Clyde Valley orchards have suffered significant decline since their heyday as the ‘Fruit Basket of Scotland’ in the mid 20th Century, the project shows that the acreage of Clyde Valley orchards today may be greater than in the 1860s.
The report contains facts, figures and annecdotes from current orchard owners.
Managed by Clyde Valley Orchards Cooperative Limited (CVOC), the project was facilitated by Crispin Hayes Associates with not-for-profit Orchard Revival as partners. It was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund supported Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP) and Scottish Natural Heritage.