Integrating trees on land
A new farmer-led network aiming to encourage farmers and crofters to consider woodland creation on Scottish land has launched.
The Integrating Trees Network, run by the Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry, is a new demonstrator network of farms, crofts and estates across Scotland, set up to raise awareness of the multiple benefits that planting trees can bring to an agricultural business.
It will launch with two online events hosted by two farming families from Lanarkshire and Peeblesshire, with very different experiences of how woodland creation has boosted the viability of their businesses.
Speaking ahead of the first event, Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment Ben Macpherson said:
“The launch of the new Integrating Trees Network will promote the benefits of integrating trees on your land. It is led by farmers, and jointly facilitated by Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry. We want to encourage more trees to be planted on Scottish land, but always in the right place, for the right reason, and to give practical guidance as to how this can be achieved.
“We’re all aware that woodland creation has benefits for climate change and wider environmental priorities, but it can also provide multiple benefits to farmers in terms of shelter for livestock, improving condition and productivity; management of soil health and prevention of flooding; as well as providing alternative income streams and diversification opportunities.”
Background:
The launch of the network is one of the actions in the Route Map to 2032 from the Scottish Government's Climate Change Plan update published in December 2020.
Published on: 17 February, 2021