Has anyone had any experience establishing a cherry orchard? Where would one go for advice on rootstock, varieties, suitable regions, tree suppliers, polytunnel suppliers etc.
Would permissions be needed to establish orchards on farm land? Are there any restrictions? Restrictions on putting up polytunnels?
Stewart Duke
This is a huge question! I planted a small Cherry orchard, 170 trees, in 2000/2001. I guess we should start with a discussion along the lines: how much land have you? Is it suitable for cherries (pH, frost, drainage etc)? What scale do you intend initially? Where are you in the country?
I am in Herefordshire and I had sound advice from Nick Dunn at Frank Matthews Nursery near Tenbury Wells. I planted 5 varieties on Gisella 5 rootstock, but things have moved on.
I also had good advice from Haygrove Tunnels near Ledbury.
As to permissions – you would generally not need permission for planting on agricultural land but would need to check with your local Planning Office about tunnels.