Abstract
A study was carried out in 2015-2017 in 22 orchards in south Shropshire. The state and management of the orchards and their characteristic vegetation were noted. Targeted searches were made for eight nationally local or uncommon invertebrate species associated with mistletoe and fruit-trees. Six target species were found, along with 306 other invertebrate taxa. These are presented in four invertebrate communities and 11 faunal groups. Their functions in the orchards and relationships to each other, to vegetation communities and management are identified and discussed. The study found a few species of national or regional importance and many common species. Together these form complex invertebrate communities that are highly integrated into habitats of the region and potentially make a valuable contribution to regional biodiversity.