Events

What advice would farmers who have planted trees give their past selves? Join three Integrating Trees Network host farmers as they reflect on their tree planting projects, sharing the lessons they've learned, the challenges they've faced, and what they will do differently in the future. Through an informal discussion, they'll explore common pitfalls, unexpected obstacles, and practical solutions, offering valuable insights for farmers and land managers at any stage of planning, establishing, or managing trees on their land. They'll be joined by Andrew Barbour of Mains of Fincastle, Pitlochry, Andrew Whiteford of Burnfoot Farm, Sanquhar, and Matt Griffin of Neidpath Farms, Peebles. They will also have staff from Scottish Forestry joining us to provide advice and support.

Come along and join in the conversation by signing up here.

Whether you're establishing new woodland or managing an existing one, understanding how to maximise the value of your asset is key. Join the Integrating Trees Network for an informative discussion on the journey from planting trees to high-quality timber products.

They'll hear from Andrew Adamson, Netherurd Home Farm, West Linton, and Ellinor Dobie, Abbey Timber, Abbey St Bathans, who will share their practical experience of woodland management. Topics will include, species choice, weed control and establishment, pruning and thinning for timber quality, harvesting and timber sales, using timber on-farm, supplying local sawmills and furniture makers and understanding potential markets for your timber. They'll also hear about the Association of Scottish Hardwood Sawmillers (ASHS) and provide an overview of felling permissions and harvesting and processing grant support. Representatives from Scottish Forestry will be joining us to answer questions.

For more information and to register, click here.

Join the Integrating Tree Network for an informative and interactive evening exploring the benefits and realities of riparian planting. They'll hear from Integrating Trees Network hosts Dee Ward of Rottal Estate, Angus, and Bruce Mackie of Rora Dairy, Middleton of Rora, Peterhead, as they share their experiences of planning and establishing trees alongside watercourses. They'll discuss why riparian planting is important for their businesses, the decisions they made, and the practical challenges and opportunities they encountered along the way. They will also explore how well-designed riparian planting can: help reduce peak water flows and diffuse pollution, provide shade for livestock and wildlife, help to prevent rising water temperatures, stabilise riverbanks and reduce erosion, enhance biodiversity and habitat connectivity, deliver a range of wider environmental and business benefits. Discussions will also look at the support and funding opportunities available. Representatives from Scottish Forestry will be joining us to answer questions and provide guidance. This is a great opportunity to connect with other land managers, exchange ideas, and gain practical insights from those already integrating trees into their business. Bring your questions and join us for what promises to be a practical and informative discussion.

Find out more about the event and book your place here.

Join the Integrating Tree Network as they visit Fran Lockhart and Mark Foxwell at their 46 ha croft in Sutherland, who will share their experience of managing upland ancient woodland using cattle fitted with NoFence collars.

We’ll learn how targeted grazing is encouraging the regeneration of trees, shrubs and woodland plants, reducing dense grass cover, creating seedbeds for natural regeneration, and supporting a rich variety of wildlife. The cattle also spread dung, an important food source for many insects and beneficial for the area's breeding woodcock population, while lightly browsing young birch, willow and aspen. You'll hear how the Forestry Grant Scheme's Woodland Grazing funding has helped support this work and see how woodland grazing is monitored and recorded.

We’ll also explore how Fran and Mark are creating new woodlands by growing trees with seed from their own nursery. The croft also produces a wide range of food and fuel, including pork, beef, eggs, honey, fruit, vegetables and firewood.

During the event, we'll discuss the initial thought process and decision to plant trees and establish woodland grazing. We'll explore objectives, challenges, lessons learned and the benefits trees can bring to a crofting business.

To find out more and book ticket, click here.

Join the Integrating Trees Network at Edston Farm, part of the 858 ha Neidpath Farms, where farm manager Matt Griffin is taking a practical, whole-farm approach to building a more resilient and efficient livestock system.

Matt will share how trees are being integrated across the farm to provide shelter, shade and browse for livestock, while improving soil health, supporting biodiversity and strengthening farm resilience.

During the farm walk, they'll explore how the farm is being transformed by investing in hard infrastructure alongside shelterbelts, willow whip hedges, riparian planting, woodland grazing, an orchard, and the innovative living lambing shed. Covering the thinking behind these projects, the objectives they aim to deliver, the challenges encountered along the way, and the benefits being seen on the ground.

To find out more and book a place, click here.