Landscape ecologists examined the importance of traditional fruit orchards
In 2025, the Institute of Landscape Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) contributed—as part of a broader international team within the EUCALAND network (focused on research into the European agricultural landscape) – to a deeper understanding of the importance of traditional fruit orchards in agricultural landscapes. The results of a survey conducted in ten European countries present the extent, condition, and both the social and ecological significance of old orchards.
These orchards preserve traditional tree varieties and are managed in consideration of the landscape and cultural heritage. The scientific team found that although the total area of such orchards across Europe is gradually declining, they remain irreplaceable reservoirs of the genetic resources of fruit trees. Old and local fruit varieties show resilience to diseases and climatic fluctuations, which is crucial for future food security. Motivation for preserving and maintaining these orchards often lies precisely in the significant cultural and social benefits they provide – not only to local communities but also to visitors to these regions, who seek them out for their preserved traditions, regional identity, landscape aesthetics, and as spaces for recreation.
From an ecological perspective, they function as semi-natural habitats, supporting the biodiversity of plants, insects, and other organisms. They are essential for protecting pollinators, stabilising soil, controlling erosion, retaining water, and maintaining higher ecological stability of the landscape. The study shows that the protection and restoration of traditional orchards is not merely a matter of returning to the past but represents a strategic step toward a sustainable and resilient future, where healthy food production, biodiversity, and the quality of human life are brought together.
Source and photo: Institute of Landscape Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10980-025-02169-y
Contact: Ing. Jana Špulerová, PhD., jana.spulerova@savba.sk, +421 23229 3628