Making an orchard

I want to plant some apple ( not cooking) and pear trees for next season but there seem to be so many varieties, it's quite confusing. Is it the right time of year to plant fruit trees? Can anyone recommend 3 varieties of each which have good resistance to pests and disease? I live in Worcestershire and the field where the trees will go is sloping and sheltered. Also, is it necessary to have male and female pear trees with all varieties? Lindy.

 

You can just buy an orchard pack. This site sells fruit trees in packs of 6 or 16 as maidens, bushes or half standards where the varieties have all been chosen to make sure you get a long fruiting season and everything that needs a pollinator has one.

Good luck