Events to highlight benefits of trees on farms

How can trees increase your farm's income? Find out at two free events this May.

Soil Association Scotland is teaming up with with practical farmer and Nuffield Scholar Stephen Briggs of Abacus Organic, and experts from Forestry Commission Scotland and the Woodland Trust for these practical events.

The two 'Trees: a crop with multiple benefits' events will examine managing and planting trees for improved livestock and arable production. Both events will cover the same fundamentals, but will involve visits to different farms, each with a different emphasis.

The first, on Thursday 26 May in Aberfeldy, Perthshire,  includes a visit to Bolfracks Estate, with a look at a long-established grazing system that integrates trees. The second event on Friday 27 May in Newburgh, Fife includes a visit to Parkhill Farm, with a look at the farmer’s plans to establish alleyway planting of apple trees in arable fields to increase production along with planting native trees to provide shelter for livestock.

Lyn White, Agricultural Development Manager for Soil Association Scotland said:

"We want to spread the word: trees have real potential to help farmers, growers and crofters in Scotland. They can be good for land, good for crops, good for livestock and ultimately good for business, and these events show exactly how.

"We’ve pulled together top experts and experienced farmers to give attendees a practical look at everything about farming with trees: from how to access funding, where to start with planning, how trees can benefit your farm, a look at real-life farms that are working with trees, and lots of time for questions and discussion. Best of all – these events are free for all land managers."

These events are open to all farmers, organic or otherwise, and are free of charge to farmers and land managers (or £40.00 plus VAT to any other interested parties). Booking is essential. For further information visit https://www.soilassociationscotland.org/news/, call Lyn White on 07899 791748 or email lwhite@soilassociation.org.

These events are part of Soil Association Scotland’s Future Farming Scotland programme, funded by the Scottish Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development with partner funding from Quality Meat Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Innovative Farmers and The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation.

Photo courtesy of Stephen Briggs.