Promoting at-risk heritage to benefit avifauna

In the Swiss Rhone valley in the Valais, mixed orchards that survived the intensification of agriculture that took place in the second half of the twentieth century are few and far between. This process also saw the disappearance of numerous structures, as well as heritage fruit tree varieties that were abandoned in favour of more productive varieties. The aim of this project is to create a new mixed orchard planted with heritage fruit tree varieties that is rich in structures. Long-term monitoring will help to ensure that the orchard becomes a haven for biodiversity.