Scottish Forestry continues to forge stronger working relationships with farmers through Integrating Trees Network
The Integrating Trees Network is up and running and going from strength to strength.
This farmer and crofter-led initiative is supported by Scottish Forestry and the Scottish Government. Its aim is to build up a strong network of farm woodland demonstration sites across Scotland, with the hosts showcasing how growing trees has helped their business.
Sharing experiences and hearing from those who are actually doing it – including Bell Ingram’s Matthew Imrie – is all part of the ever-growing Integrating Trees Network. The initiative has now run ten virtual events, attracting farmers and crofters from all over Scotland.
Farming Networks
The network has built up a strong network of farm woodland demonstration sites across Scotland.
There are six farm woodland demonstration sites across Scotland, hosted by:
-
Andrew Adamson of Messrs W Laird & Son, Netherurd Home Farm, Peeblesshire.
-
Matthew Imrie (Bell Ingram), Hillhead Farm, Torrance.
-
Andrew and Debbie Duffus, Mains of Auchriachan, Tomintoul.
-
Andrew Whiteford, Burnfoot and Ulzieside Farm, Sanquhar.
-
The Barbour family, Mains of Fincastle, Pitlochry.
-
The Lockett family, Knockbain Farm, Dingwall.
These fantastic farming hosts have shared their experiences along with a number of key practical messages for others thinking of planting trees. These are:
-
Use well known contractors – not always the cheapest but being recommended by others shows they know their job.
-
Environment – you have to work with what’s on the ground, don’t try and change it too much or work against it.
-
You can do the work yourself and you don’t need to rely on contractors. It can be a steep learning curve and there are challenges. It just takes time and planning, but there is support out there.
-
Understand your reasons for wanting to plant trees on your land and your business priorities.
-
Do your research: evaluate your land and monitor your farm to find out what areas are under performing for livestock but could still be suitable for planting trees.
-
Make sure you consider whether planting trees will complement your existing farm enterprises.
-
Treat your woodland as another crop, making sure you are managing it properly.
-
Involve the local community as much as possible in planning – that helps to defuse any potential issues.
-
Ask whether having trees on the farm will help diversify the nature of the business to become more adaptable, and in the future will it provide much needed shelter.
-
Create a habitat for wildlife: life’s pretty boring without wildlife!