Agroforestry in action: how the Devon Silvopasture Network works

Agroforestry combines trees with crops or livestock.

This simple but effective process is recognised as being more productive, better for wildlife and healthier for the planet than other types of farming. But, there is a lack of multi-year research on working farms, with only 3% of the UK’s farmland currently practising agroforestry. This new project aims to change this.

"This field lab is about building knowledge and the understanding for the wider farming community. Farmers trust farmers and the more conversations you have, the more you learn, the more you develop new ideas." - Andy Gray, a farmer involved in the project

New farmer-led research

An exciting project led by Innovative Farmers is aiming to provide robust research to help more farmers plant trees on farms. The project called Devon Silvopasture Network, sees 7 farmers across Devon involved in the 12 year project, which will investigate the benefits of a type of agroforestry called silvopasture, or combining trees with livestock on farms. The farm enterprises are currently a range of dairy, beef, sheep and arable farms.

This is the first farmer-led study of its kind and is an exciting partnership between Innovative Farmers, The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG South West), The Woodland Trust, Rothamsted Research North Wyke and the Organic Research Centre.

How it will work 

The farmers will trial 3 different planting designs tailored to their farms. These will feature a mixture of 12 native tree and shrub species, including oak, downy birch, aspen, alder and willow. The trees and shrubs were selected specifically for their nutritional benefits for livestock and their ability to thrive in this type of environment.

Throughout the 12 year project, the farmers and scientists will be monitoring:

• biodiversity levels 

• soil health, particularly in storing carbon 

• health and welfare of the animals grazing on the land

Why is this important?

This research offers a practical solution and data to back it up. The project will provide more farmers and land managers with the confidence to plant trees on their farms and the data collected will provide evidence of the benefits of agroforestry for soil health, animal welfare, biodiversity, farm productivity and the environment. The aim is that these findings will help farmers gain recognition for adopting agroforestry on their farms and secure support through future government schemes. 

What's next?

You can follow the progress of the project here: https://www.innovativefarmers.org/field-labs.