WYLAM Community Orchard is now listed on an interactive map that spans the country.

Wildlife charity, People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), has launched an interactive community orchard map.

The map lists approximately 400 community orchard groups across the UK.

Conservation work by PTES has revealed that 90 per cent of traditional orchards in England have been lost since the 1950s.

There are over 35,000 traditional orchards identified by the charity in England and 7,000 in Wales.

However, research has found that 48 per cent of those surveyed in England, and 35 per cent of those in Wales, have been found to be in a declining condition.

Using orchards as public green space is one way to protect them from development.

The new interactive map allows people to find and use their nearest community orchard.

And organisations running community orchards can use the map to promote events and their ongoing work and recruit volunteers.

Megan Gimber, orchard project officer at PTES said: “This map is a great way of helping people who aren’t lucky enough to have an orchard of their own to get involved with one locally.

“Anyone can engage with this wonderful habitat, by joining existing community groups that are working to maintain and preserve their local orchards.”

To take a look at the interactive map, visit: www.ptes.org/community-orchards