Tree planting makes Jim the Tweed Forum River Champion
A tree planting project which has not only helped livestock management and improved the environment but also reduced the threat of local flooding has seen Borders farmer Jim Sinclair declared this year’s Tweed Forum River Champion.
Jim, who farms sheep and suckler cows on the 815-hectare Crookston Farm near Galashiels with his son, Graeme, is one of a number of land managers who have been introducing natural flood management techniques, including tree planting, to slow the flow of surface water and reduce flood risk in downstream areas.
The organisers of the award said they had chosen their winner in recognition of his efforts to integrate farming, forestry and conservation, and for his enthusiasm for land and water management education.
They said the work carried out on the farm would enhance streams which were key to the area’s salmon fishing interests and which were worth £24 million a year to the Borders economy and supported more than 500 jobs.
Jim has been an enthusiastic ambassador for this natural, integrated approach to managing the river catchment and Crookston Farm has now become a demonstration site that welcomes organised visits through Tweed Forum for local farmers, university and college students, and land and water managers from across the globe.
Jim said: “We recognise that this is just one small element in the management of the river catchment, but we’re proud of the work we’ve done and hope it encourages others.”