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News

NFFN Cymru hosts agroforestry workshop showing how trees can boost nature-friendly farming

Wales
agroforestry
food system
whole farm approach
wood pasture
Trees

Agroforestry advisor Edd Colbert led a thought-provoking day exploring the many benefits of bringing trees into farm design.

Agroforestry, or the integration of trees into farming systems, is becoming increasingly recognised for its numerous nature-friendly benefits. That was why NFFN Cymru decided to make it the subject of its latest practical workshop.

Leading agroforestry advisor Edd Colbert took farmers, foresters, graziers, growers and researchers through how this practice could benefit farming and land management across Wales at Henbant, the home of NFFN Cymru steering group member Matt Swarbrick. 

The day started with a theory session exploring the different types of agroforestry and its benefits. This highlighted the flexibility of agroforestry, allowing farmers and land managers to tailor approaches to their unique landscapes and needs. Edd then led a 3D mapping exercise on the practical design of agroforestry schemes, identifying ideal locations for tree planting across a hypothetical farm landscape.

After a home-made organic lunch, attendees headed out for a farm walk with Matt. He showed them how he has already incorporated different types of agroforestry, including orchards, wood pasture and silvopasture. 

Attendees said the day also provided plenty of food for thought and left them keen to put what they had learned into practice.

With careful planning and consideration, trees can deliver multiple benefits for farm businesses, nature, the climate and rural communities.

Rhys Evans

Sophia Morgan-Swinhoe from Dyfi Dairy said: “I was previously put off implementing agroforestry on our farm because I had envisioned rows of trees right through the hay field.  Edd highlighted agroforestry comes in so many forms and can be tailored in ways I can really see working for us.”

Andrew Kehoe, farmer and agricultural contractor at Kehoe Countryside, said: “We would like to plant more trees on our farm and Edd was very inspirational about the potential to enhance the landscape through tree planting.”

NFFN Cymru manager Rhys Evans said: “Trees on farms is a contentious and somewhat divisive topic in Wales at the moment, but it doesn't have to be this way. With careful planning and consideration, trees can deliver multiple benefits for farm businesses, nature, the climate and rural communities. Matt’s walk and talk around Henbant really brought all this to life and demonstrated how trees can be successfully integrated on farmland.”

The agroforestry workshop was run in partnership with Coel Cadw/Woodland Trust. The NFFN regularly hosts events across the UK on a range of topics concerning how farmers can work with nature or in more sustainable ways, and you can view what is coming up on our Eventbrite page.