Student transforms field into orchard during work placement

A Harper Adams student has worked with a local Estate to turn one of its Shropshire fields into an apple orchard as part of a plan to create a new eco-habitat. 

Alex Pearson, a third year BSc (Hons) Environmental Land Management student has been working on the project alongside Bradford Estates. 

Traditionally used for arable farming, the 10-acre field at Crackley Bank, Sherrifhales, has been undergoing redevelopment as part of an innovative agroforestry project led by Bradford Estates. 

In the article reported by the Shropshire Star, Alex said: “By increasing new habitats, we will encourage native species to return to the area and thrive, whilst also creating new sustainable, commercial opportunities for Bradford Farming. The project has been the part of my placement where I have gained the most experience so far as I have worked with a range of partners as well as been presented with problem solving situations as the programme progressed.”

“It is hoped that the project, which Alex has been working on as part of his year-long industrial placement year, can be used to show other landowners new ways of using their estates. 

Alex added: “The project has been the part of my placement where I have gained the most experience so far as I have worked with a range of partners as well as been presented with problem solving situations as the programme progressed.”