Benefits of agroforestry

Integrating trees on farms can bring multiple benefits for business and the wider environment – whether it be shelter for livestock, habitat for wildlife or helping to reduce a farm’s carbon footprint.

The key to this is the right tree in the right place for the right reason.

Financial benefits of agroforestry

Agroforestry offers multiple financial benefits to farmers. Planting trees can add an extra crop such as fruit, nuts or timber, which can provide an additional income stream and a fall-back in case of poor harvests.

A tree crop can also support farm businesses to operate throughout the year, avoiding the peaks and troughs of seasonal demands.

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Why plant trees on farms?

Iain and Marion Macdonald of Ardoch and Threepland farms, East Renfrewshire, say they have turned their livestock farm around by planting acres of hard-to-farm land with trees.
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Integrating farming and forestry

In Broughton in the Borders, award-winning farmer Peter Gascoigne has transformed his farm business using trees. He says the trees provide tax-free income for his family, enhance his farm business and give him the pleasure of seeing more wildlife.

Environmental benefits of agroforestry

Agroforestry is a vital, viable way farmers can help restore climate and nature, from the ground up - trees have benefits for wildlife, for carbon capture, and for soil.

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Growing apple trees and barley together in a silvoarable system

Roger and Rachel Howison of Parkhill Farm explain how a silvoarable system is good for livestock, biodiversity and business.
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Making woodland work on the farm

Since moving to Crannich Farm, Isle of Mull in 2003, Robin and Sam Sedgwick have planted thousands of trees – with plans to plant thousands more.
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Agroforestry and water quality

Matt Woods, farmer by the Lake of Menteith, and expert Niels Corfield discuss agroforestry, soil health and water quality.
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Agroforestry and crofting

Phil Knott and his partner Laura Cunningham of Wildlife Croft on Skye have planted trees strategically, to shelter their fruit bushes and trees and to enhance biodiversity and soil health. They aim to eventually producing organic food to sell.

Case studies

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Case Study: Hedgerows for Crofting

Crofter Helen Howarth shares her inspiration to plant hedges on the Isle of Mull, and how she is making it happen.
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Case Study: Scottish apples

Catherine Drummond-Herdman rediscovered and revitalised a 300 year old orchard at Megginch Castle in Perthshire, and is part of a movement to get a Scottish commercial apple sector going again.
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Case Study: Coppicing

Al and Aurore Whitford have spent the last four years developing their 8-acre croft into a self-sustaining system and are determined to make the most of trees.
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Animal husbandry benefits of agroforestry

In a silvopastoral system - keeping trees and livestock together - the livestock help cycle the nutrients, and the forestry brings shelter, shade and variety to their diets.

Filmed at Mains of Fincastle farm, Perthshire, watch Andrew and Seonag Barbour talk about agroforestry in action.

Learn more about agroforestry

Here are some additional links to resources on the benefits of agroforestry:

Benefits of agroforestry on your farm

Agroforestry works because it’s farming in 3D. Tree roots reach deep into the ground to cycle nutrients and store carbon, while above ground, the trees protect crops and animals against the elements.

Woodland Trust: Benefits of Trees on Livestock Farms

This research report makes the case for the thoughtful integration of trees into livestock farming systems.

Woodland Trust: The Role of Trees in Arable Farming

This practical guide for arable farmers explains the role of native trees and hedges in farming systems and the benefits they can bring.
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Events

Find out what events related to climate and nature-friendly farming, or agroecology, are happening near you in Scotland.

Events