Heineken Uproots 140-Acre Cider Orchard, Sparking Wildlife Concerns
Heineken, the brewing company that owns Bulmers cider, has controversially felled a 140-football-pitch orchard in Monmouthshire, UK.
The orchard, planted in 1997, was home to various wildlife, particularly migratory birds.
Heineken cited a surplus of apples and decreased demand for cider as reasons for the uprooting of thousands of trees at Penrhos Orchard.
Environmentalists are concerned about the impact on bird populations, but Heineken maintains they acted in accordance with the Wildlife Act.
Local residents, whose homes overlook the orchard, express sadness and disappointment over its removal, with some reporting improved views of the surrounding hills.
Ecologist Chris Formaggia expresses concern about the loss of wintering thrush species, such as fieldfare and redwing, in an orchard where they previously fed on autumn berries and wind-blown apples during winter.
The orchard was once teeming with these birds, but with the trees no longer in bloom, the impact on these species is expected to be significant.
Heineken announced the end of their cider production, citing the loss of 2,000 acres of British cider apple orchards in recent years.
The orchards, which have high tannin levels and are unsuitable for other uses, were essential for cider production.
Heineken emphasized the importance of acting responsibly and sustainably, with the decision being prompted by the slowing cider market and improved growing practices.
Heineken cited a surplus of apples and decreased demand for cider as reasons for the uprooting of thousands of trees at Penrhos Orchard.
Environmentalists are concerned about the impact on bird populations, but Heineken maintains they acted in accordance with the Wildlife Act.
Local residents, whose homes overlook the orchard, express sadness and disappointment over its removal, with some reporting improved views of the surrounding hills.
Ecologist Chris Formaggia expresses concern about the loss of wintering thrush species, such as fieldfare and redwing, in an orchard where they previously fed on autumn berries and wind-blown apples during winter.
The orchard was once teeming with these birds, but with the trees no longer in bloom, the impact on these species is expected to be significant.
Heineken announced the end of their cider production, citing the loss of 2,000 acres of British cider apple orchards in recent years.
The orchards, which have high tannin levels and are unsuitable for other uses, were essential for cider production.
Heineken emphasized the importance of acting responsibly and sustainably, with the decision being prompted by the slowing cider market and improved growing practices.
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