Natuurpunt orchard 't Hutteke

This high-stemmed orchard, established in 2006, is owned by Natuurpunt and is part of 't Hutteke, a nature reserve along the Grote Nete. The planting was sponsored by CERA bank. The tree stock mainly consists of apple trees, but cherry, plum, pear, and walnut are also included in the assortment. The 51 trees have been planted in a tight arrangement of 10m x 10m and were supplied by the National Orchard Foundation. The orchard is periodically grazed by sheep.

Management is done as ecologically as possible: there are nesting boxes for insectivores, kestrels, and little owls; a deadwood pile providing accommodation for amphibians, hedgehogs, weasels, and polecats; a varied wood edge; an insect hotel and hiding places for earwigs in the fruit trees. The predominantly old fruit varieties have been chosen for their disease resistance. Names like Schneiders Späte Knorpelkirsche, Zomerkeizerin, Reine Claude Souffrieau, Calville Rouge d’Automne, and Superman might make your mouth water!

Parking is available on the paved part of the road; the last section can be walked or cycled.

Soil type: sandy loam
Design: organic
Humidity: moist
Special attention to: animals, bees / insects

Accessibility and reachability:
Via bike route

Where?
Fertlarelei (at the back)
2590 Berlaar
Belgium

Open on:
Sunday, June 7, 2015, 10 - 18h

Regionaal Landschap Rivierenland