Celebrate orchard blossom, local produce and nature this spring

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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
- Close
- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
- Close
- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
- Close
- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
- Close
- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Press releases for the media // Press release: Celebrate orchard blossom, local produce and nature this spring

Almost 100 nationwide events are set to mark Orchard Blossom Day 2024

This Friday [26^th April] marks the return of Orchard Blossom Day 2024, where traditional orchard groups across the country host events to celebrate fruit trees, their produce and nature.

The annual springtime celebration falls on the last Friday in April, but local events often take place into early May. This year almost 100 different events will be taking place at orchard sites across the country, including tours, produce fairs, picnics and practical crafts for families, nature lovers and groups of friends to enjoy. Most Orchard Blossom Day events are free to attend. To find your nearest celebration, visit: www.ptes.org/orchard-blossom-day-sites.

Orchard Blossom Day is coordinated by the UK Orchard Network. This partnership of organisations, led by wildlife charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES), work together to conserve traditional orchards, protect our fruit heritage and production, and the many species of wildlife that depend on this iconic, yet declining habitat.

New for this year, renowned poet and author James Crowden – the Orchard Network’s orchard blossom champion – has celebrated spectacular displays of blossom, beauty and biodiversity through his poems. To find out more, visit www.orchardnetwork.org.uk.

Steve Oram, Orchard Biodiversity Officer at People’s Trust for Endangered Species says: “Spring is the perfect time of year to appreciate nature and the amazing produce it can bring. Traditional orchards have experienced a devastating decline since the 1950s, with 90% being lost due to neglect, development or intensification. They are absolute havens for wildlife and the unique way fruit trees age creates a habitat that can’t be replaced or replicated, which is why it is so vital to maintain and protect them. We hope that showcasing the value of traditional orchards through our Orchard Blossom Day events will help raise awareness of the need to protect those that remain, and stop any more from disappearing completely.”

– ENDS –

For high res images, interview requests or further information, please contact Adela Cragg:

T: 07532 685 614

E: adelacraggPR@outlook.com

Notes to Editors

Available for interview

Steve Oram, Orchard Biodiversity Officer, People’s Trust for Endangered Species

About People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES)

PTES, a UK conservation charity created in 1977, is ensuring a future for endangered species throughout the world. We protect some of our most threatened wildlife species and habitats, and provide practical conservation support through research, grant-aid, educational programmes, wildlife surveys, publications and public events.
PTES’ current priority species and habitats include hazel dormice, hedgehogs, water voles, noble chafers, stag beetles, traditional orchards, native woodlands, wood pasture and parkland and hedgerows.
PTES has Species Champions for two of its priority species: for hedgehogs The Rt Hon Chris Grayling, MP for Epsom & Ewell and for water voles The Rt Hon Hilary Benn, MP for Leeds Central and Chair of the Brexit Select Committee.
Visit www.ptes.org and follow PTES on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube & LinkedIn.

Header image credit Andy Wasely | iStockphoto.com

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