Welcome to ArchAI.
Explore how we’re using AI to uncover the hidden stories of our landscapes. Discover our products and insights, and get in touch to learn more.
For orchards, ArchAI's has digitised the historic OS maps from c.1900 and c.1950 and compared these with contemporary data such as UKCEH land use data, Natural England's traditional orchards HAP dataset, and commercial orchards from the OS MasterMap. Our analysis revealed significant changes in orchard landscapes over the past century.
The largest losses were found in the South West, which historically boasted the most extensive orchard areas at the start of the 20th century. Over time, many of these orchards have been lost, primarily due to urban and suburban development. Additionally, a portion of orchard land has been converted into deciduous woodland and improved grassland, contributing to the shift in land use and landscape composition.
Want to learn more about our historic map products? Email the team at sales@archai.io
Change over time
For decades, the UK's orchards and hedgerows have been in decline, leading to a loss of biodiversity, historical beauty, and natural heritage. This not only affects our environment but also the cultural fabric that these landscapes embody. Understanding the extent of this loss is crucial for effective restoration, and that's where ArchAI's expertise comes into play. Leveraging our AI mapping technologies, the collaboration undertakes a detailed analysis of historical and contemporary maps, shedding light on the evolution of these vital ecological and cultural landscapes.
The National Trust plays a crucial role in conserving not only land and buildings but also the stories and essence of the nation's past. Their ongoing efforts, such as the How We’re Bringing Blossom Back campaign, are aimed at reversing the widespread loss of orchards and hedgerows. Our research has shown that over 50% of orchards and 33% of hedgerows on National Trust land have disappeared since the early 20th century, with even greater losses in areas beyond their care. This has had a detrimental effect on wildlife habitats and reduced opportunities for people to experience the beauty of spring blossom.
The Trust’s campaign focuses on planting millions of blossom trees and restoring hedgerows across the UK, from rural landscapes to urban areas. They are committed to planting four million blossom trees by 2030 as part of their broader aim to plant 20 million trees. At sites like Glastonbury Tor and Crook Hall Gardens, traditional orchards are being reintroduced, while in urban areas like Lewisham, London, five miles of blossoming trees are being planted to reconnect communities with nature.
Bringing blossom back is vital for pollinators and people alike—engaging communities with their historic environment ensures that these natural and cultural heritage sites remain an integral part of our shared landscape. By integrating ArchAI’s innovative data analytics into their conservation strategies, the National Trust gains unprecedented insights into the history and evolution of these landscapes, enabling informed decisions about the preservation, management, and restoration of these treasured natural heritage sites.
