North Yorkshire based specialty coffee roaster Rounton Coffee have partnered with the North Yorkshire National Park on an exciting new project aiming to enhance biodiversity and celebrate local agricultural heritage in the region.
The two organisations have worked together to create a new heritage orchard within the National Park featuring fruit trees native to the area, which will sustain rare and traditional varieties and give visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and a shared history of the region.
Featuring varieties carefully selected for their resilience to the local climate and soil conditions, as well as their historical and cultural significance, the orchard features the Hunt House Apple from Goathland, Yorkshire Greening Apple, Ribston Pippin Apple, and Ryedale Bullace,
As the orchard develops over the coming years, it’s hoped it will become a haven for biodiversity, providing valuable habitat for wildlife and pollinators, storing carbon, improving soil health and preserving local fruit varieties for future generations to enjoy.
David Beattie, Founder of Rounton Coffee Roasters, said: “As a business we donate a minimum of 1% of our turnover to environmental charities, because we believe business should support the people and places that sustain us.
“Partnering with the North York Moors Trust to create this orchard is a natural extension of that commitment – investing in biodiversity, celebrating our roots, and giving back to the landscape we call home.”
The planting took place at Low Horcum Farmstead, along the popular Hole of Horcum Trail in the surrounding Tabular Hills and walkers exploring the area will now see the newly planted orchard and be able to pick fruit in late summer and early autumn.
For more information visit www.rountoncoffee.co.uk