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Supporting productivity on your arable farm

Planting trees can benefit your farm. Shelterbelts improve crop water regimes by slowing wind speeds and provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife.Trees protect soils from wind and water erosion, and help prevent fertilisers and pollutants damaging watercourses.

TREES WORK

Complementing your existing farming system


The Woodland Trust is a charity offering free expert advice to help farmers identify where trees can support sustainable intensification. Our approach focuses on maximising areas of unproductive land such as field corners, margins and areas unsuitable for crops or livestock. Research shows that planting trees can: 1) Increase wheat yields by 3.5% more in dry years by improving crop water efficiency 2) Improve water infiltration by 60 times just three years after planting tree shelterbelts 3) Protect water quality 99% of subsurface nitrate can be captured by a grass/tree buffer, the majority in the first 5m.

Help develop more UK evidence


If you are interested in intelligently increasing tree cover across your farm please get in touch. We are offering a free whole-farm assessment, designing planting schemes which will support your future farming plans and help us gather more UK-based evidence. To find out more call 0845 293 5689.

Generous planting grants available


Government planting grants are available across the UK alongside support from the Woodland Trust for smaller schemes. We work with farmers to find the best financial grants and incentives, providing specialist advice based on a site visit. Contact us to find out more.

Call 0845 293 5689 or email morewoods@woodlandtrust.org.uk

10 ways trees benefit your farm...


Protect valuable topsoils
Around 2.2 million tonnes of topsoil are eroded each year. Trees slow wind speeds helping prevent soils being blown away. Erosion caused by heavy rainfall can also be minimised by planting trees across contours or in areas known to be vulnerable.

Protect water quality

An estimated 25% of the phosphates and 50% of nitrates in rivers are from agricultural sources.Trees act as nutrient sinks, trapping pollutants and helping stabilise riverbanks.

Slow wind speeds to boost crop growth

Capture greenhouse gas emissions

While plants closest to the trees produce lower yields, higher yields are gained by more efficient water usage in the rest of the crop. Shelterbelts can improve yield in an area up to 30 times their height.

Carbon dioxide from the use of diesel and other farm fuels makes up 9% of UK agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. Planting trees captures and offsets some of these emissions.

Support local wildlife

Attract pollinators

Crops such as oilseed rape or field beans require insect pollination.Tree windbreaks provide habitat for pollinators and highways to guide them across the farm.

Native trees and woods provide havens for wildlife and help create beautiful landscapes.

Reduce your heating bills

Prevent water erosion

Grow your own sustainable supply of firewood and avoid the increasing costs of fossil fuels. 2 -3 hectares of woodland produces enough fuel to heat a typical farmhouse for 1 year.

Water erosion reduces the long term fertility of the soil.Tree belts improve infiltration, helping prevent seeds, fertilisers and pesticides from being washed away, avoiding the costs of repeat operations.

Income from game shoots Income from timber

Well-designed woods benefit driven and rough shoots. Sell the crop to make a profit or use it on the farm.

Call 0845 293 5689 or visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/farming


A non-profit making company limited by guarantee. The Woodland Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 294344 and in Scotland no. SC038885. Registered in England no. 1982873. 5429 09/12

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