Franconian Orchards

Anyone out and about in the Franconian countryside will sooner or later come across them. Meadows with widely scattered fruit trees that are buzzing and humming.
The so-called meadow orchards not only provide excellent fruit, but are also a true paradise for many creatures. They therefore play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and protecting the environment.

What exactly is an franconian orchard?

A meadow orchard is an agriculturally used area on which fruit trees grow in a loose association. Typically, different types of fruit such as apples, pears, cherries and plums are represented here. This variety of fruit trees creates a natural diversity that provides a habitat for numerous animal species. In addition, orchards are often extensively farmed, which means that they are not intensively fertilized or chemically treated. In addition, orchard meadows are often extensively cultivated, which means that they are not intensively fertilized or chemically treated.

Habitat for endangered species

Orchard meadows are a habitat for a large number of endangered and rare animal and plant species. Numerous bird species such as (green) woodpeckers, little owls and pygmy owls find breeding grounds and food here. Many insect species, including butterflies, wild bees and beetles, also depend on the flowers and fruit of fruit trees. Orchard meadows are particularly important as a habitat for numerous old fruit varieties, which are often only found here and therefore represent an important genetic reservoir.

Biodiversity and environmental protection

The preservation and maintenance of orchard meadows contribute significantly to the protection of biodiversity and the promotion of ecological diversity. By avoiding the use of chemical sprays and extensive cultivation, orchard meadows create habitats for rare animal and plant species. They also help to maintain soil fertility and serve as an important carbon store.

Cultural heritage and landscape

Orchard meadows are not only ecologically valuable, but also culturally significant. They characterize the landscape of Franconia and are a testimony to traditional agriculture. The cultivation of orchards is often associated with old crafts and customs that have been passed down through generations. The preservation and maintenance of this cultural landscape preserves a piece of regional identity.

Challenges and prospects

Despite their importance, orchards are under threat in many places today. Structural change in agriculture and the associated decline in extensive forms of farming are jeopardizing their continued existence. In addition, there is often a lack of financial incentives for farmers to maintain and preserve orchards. Targeted measures and support are needed to reverse this trend.

Our contribution

Unfortunately, we don’t have the space for our own orchard, but we still want to do our bit to protect orchards and promote biodiversity.
All our fruit juices come from the Pretzfelder fruit juice press house, which processes orchard fruit and is actively committed to the preservation of orchards. We have also planted a small orchard in our hotel garden. Traditional fruit varieties can be found there, such as the “gute Luise”, a type of pear. Especially in summer, our guests can enjoy fruit from the hotel garden.