With a total area of 2,200 hectares dedicated to fruit production, the Valais is home to one third of Swiss fruit cultivation. However, until now these fruit cultivation areas have remained the poor cousin of agriculture when it comes to the promotion of biodiversity. This pilot project aims to create a set of measures to promote biodiversity in intensive orchards in the Swiss Rhone valley, building on close collaboration with fruit growers.
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
Piles of rocks and stones are ideal for combining with shrubberies.
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
The open space in front of agricultural sheds can be used for the benefit of biodiversity
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
Recently created pile of rocks in front of an ancient ivy-covered, high-stemmed cherry tree.
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
Young plot prepared for biodiversity, before grass is sown.
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
Diversified hedges planted along the edges of crops provide protection against the wind.
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
Fruit tree pruning waste is recycled on site in the form of piles of branches.
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
Flowering seedlings between rows of trees also benefit crop protection insects.
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
©
© Emmanuel Revaz
Piles of rocks and stones are ideal for combining with shrubberies.
The open space in front of agricultural sheds can be used for the benefit of biodiversity
Recently created pile of rocks in front of an ancient ivy-covered, high-stemmed cherry tree.
Young plot prepared for biodiversity, before grass is sown.
Diversified hedges planted along the edges of crops provide protection against the wind.
Fruit tree pruning waste is recycled on site in the form of piles of branches.
Flowering seedlings between rows of trees also benefit crop protection insects.
Promotion of biodiversity in intensive fruit cultivation in the Swiss Rhone valley
Measures to bring life to orchards
Domain
Conservation
Unit
Agricultural Habitats
Topics
Species Recovery, Habitat Promotion
Habitat
Project start
2019
Project status
ongoing
Project management
Emmanuel Revaz
Project region
Valais
Employees
Species concerned
Unit
Agricultural habitats
We promote wildlife-friendly agriculture with more high-quality and better-connected habitats, fewer artificial fertilisers and fewer pesticides.
