Network’s practical advice on benefits of tree planting

Adecision to plant trees on a farm is rarely an easy one. Foresters are well-versed in selling the benefits of trees on farms – creating shelter for animals, delivering income from a future timber crop, and helping tackle climate change among them. However, farmers want clear evidence that tree planting can work for them – and practical advice on how their business might benefit.

That’s why the Integrating Trees Network was created in Scotland.

Run by Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Government, it involves host farmers who invite other farmers to see how tree planting has helped their rural business.

The initiative started online during the pandemic, and is now a mixture of on-site visits and online webinars.

One farm involved is Mains of Auchriachan, in Tomintoul, run by Debbie and Andrew Duffus. The 1540-hectare hill farm has almost 150 cattle, 450 breeding ewes, and has introduced glamping pods – and trees – to diversify the business.

When asked why he has planted trees – a mixture of broadleaf and conifer species Mr Duffus said: “The trees provide shelter for livestock, as it is very exposed on the hill, and a future income. They also create wildlife corridors, which give a better experience for visitors to the glamping pods.”

Another farm taking the integrated approach is 250-hectare Knockbain, just outside Dingwall, joint winner of the Farm Woodland prize in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2022.

The Lockett family, who run Knockbain, have a herd of Luing cattle and also let out some grass and arable land. The rest of the farm is a combination of woodland and conservation management habitats including wetlands, wildflower meadows, hedges and ponds.

The farm woodland includes some commercial forestry as well as large areas of native woodland, old and new. Wood from the farm heats the homes on site, while Knockbain is investigating ways for better integration through agroforestry and is involved in the Dingwall Community Woodland project – which planted its first trees in March 2022 with the main planting of 7,000 trees taking place right now.

The farm has increased woodland cover from 5% to 20% over the last 40 years, and wants to go further.

The Integrated Trees Network is focused on sharing practical knowledge, experience and guidance.

There is clear, pragmatic advice on the website, on crucial topics including: tips on growing trees; planning and design; maintenance and management; and funding.

Practical support includes the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to £1,000 through the Farm Advisory Service to enlist the help of a specialist to help with woodland creation and ultimately add value to underproductive land.

This includes identifying the most suitable grants and assistance that farmers and crofters can utilise.

There is also Woodland Creation guidance for smaller scale planting applicants as well as a new, simplified small woodland operational plan which aims to make the process of applying easier and more understandable for non-foresters, and simplify what is required for small, non-sensitive schemes.

A Trees on Farms stakeholder group has been established to create a forum for collective discussion around better integration of trees on farms.

To sum up, farming and tree planting can be perfectly complementary – and there is a lot of advice and support out there to mark a start, however small.

DIVERSITY APPROACH: Andrew and Debbie Duffus are involved in the Integrating Trees Network on their farm, Mains of Auchriachan, in Tomintoul.