| Survey data | |
|---|---|
| Surveyed by: John Hogan | Surveyed on: 25th May 2012 |
| Number of trees: 300 | |
| Tree form: Maiden | |
| Dead or alive: Alive | |
| Standing/fallen: Upright | |
| Access: Public - restricted access (e.g. National Trust property) | |
These trees' story
New House Orchard near Sheldwich is the substantial remains of an old style Kentish cherry orchard of about 300 trees ( photo). It is managed by Mid Kent Downs Orchard Project .The planting dates back to around 1947.The orchard is used occasionally by the local community as a recreational area. A set of information panels is provided ( photo) showing the cherry growing and harvesting year Refs:
www.kentdowns.org.uk/orchards
www.midkentdowns.org.uk/sheldwich
Growing on the tree
- Lichen
Signs of animal life
- Insect boring
- Bird nesting
Additional comments
A variety of cherry types are represented together with different tree stocks and scions .The 2.42m girth tree (photo) is typical of the larger trees and the white marker is 1.5 m from the ground the other large tree has a girth of 2.57m ( photo) .A typical tree would have a straight trunk for about 1.5-2m then divide into 4-7 branches .Some trees are already setting fruit.About 80% of the original trees remain but some are standing dead (photo) and there are gaps .Recent planting of saplings has also taken place