Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what estimate she has made of the number of traditional cider orchards which no longer operate in England in the last ten years.

The department has not made a formal estimate of the number of traditional cider orchards in England that have ceased to operate in the last ten years. Defra recognises the historic decline of traditional orchards in England, as well as their environmental and cultural importance, and supports their management, restoration and creation through agri-environment schemes and grants, including Countryside Stewardship.