Events

Woodland creation & management to maximise biodiversity: What needs to be considered?

Come along to this Integrating Trees Network event and hear from Kenny Kortland, Environmental Policy Advisor, Scottish Forestry, who has a wealth of practical knowledge on how to create and manage woodland to meet your biodiversity objectives. We'll discuss the basic principles of site selection, key species to plant, integration of open habitat, and creation and management of future habitat to maximise biodiversity benefits. We'll also be joined by two of our host farmers - Katharine Lowrie, Auchgoyle Farm, Tighnabruaich and Richard Lockett, Knockbain Farm, Dingwall - to discuss their practical experiences of creating and managing woodlands for biodiversity. We'll have representatives from Scottish Forestry and Woodland Trust with us too. Join our speakers and ask your questions. Book your free place here. Find out about the Network, its hosts and useful info here.

 Your farms future: Trees an option & opportunity? Why & How they can benefit your business

Join the Integrating Trees Network for an informative and engaging evening all about how trees can benefit your farming business now and in the future. You’ll first hear from Davy McCracken, SRUC who will share his practical experience on how trees have an important part to play in the future of our farms. Our hosts for the night Andrew Adamson, Netherurd Home Farm, West Linton and Andrew Barbour, Mains of Fincastle, Pitlochry will introduce us to their farms. Sharing why and how they have successfully planted trees as part of their farm business, the benefits this has brought, as well as the process and challenges they have faced. We will have staff from Scottish Forestry and Woodland Trust joining us. Book your free place here. Find out about the Network, its hosts and useful info here.

Join the Irish Agroforestry Forum on Wednesday, November 20th, for an informative webinar with IAF member John Sherlock, exploring how effective management of thinnings can shape timber quality and value. Drawing on his extensive experience as a farmer, forester, sawmill operator, timber processor, and wood turner, John will discuss the full plantation cycle—from early thinnings to the final crop—and share insights on how to design and manage a system that produces high-quality timber. The session will cover practical approaches to species selection, thinning strategies, and options for adding value through woodcraft, small-scale processing, or direct marketing. Participants will also gain an understanding of how to ensure timber quality for the next generation and align forest management practices with both economic and environmental objectives.

Find out more and register here.

Thinking about integrating trees and poultry system?

Join the Irish Agroforestry Forum for an insightful webinar with Mike Mallett. Mike is farm manager of Maple Farm Kelsale, a 138-hectare family farm situated 3 miles from the Suffolk coast. The farm converted to organic in 2004 and is mostly arable with some permanent pasture, large areas of woodland, some vegetables and fruit, and laying hens. Arable crops grown include wheat (including heritage varieties), beans, spring triticale and peas, and there are two years of clover or vetch-based leys within the rotation. Meadows are grazed by visiting sheep. Most of the cropping revolves around the layer hens which live on 18 hectares of 3 fields (there are approximately 2,700 hens currently). The farm is comprised of many small fields surrounded by hedges. Hedgerows are left to grow quite wild and have 6m borders. 30 ponds enhance the farm biodiversity and provide an extensive ditch network. There is a flour mill on site (where the heritage wheat goes) and the bran and middlings produced go to the hens as feed. The horticultural unit produces year-round vegetables and fruit for their on-site farm shop. Flour and eggs are also sold through the shop, and the eggs are also sold through local Waitrose and Co-op stores. Half of the egg production going to London; supplying a home delivery service and various independent stores.

Find our more and register for the event here.

Thinking about integrating trees into your horticulture or tillage system?

Join us for an insightful webinar with Ben Raskin, a leading expert in agroforestry and sustainable horticulture. With over 30 years of experience in the sector and a long-standing role at the Soil Association, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge on practical tree planting, soil health, and innovative growing systems. He also has specialist experience in: Community Supported Agriculture Woodchip use in farming Starting and scaling horticultural enterprises Ben’s background includes managing everything from walled gardens for Michelin-starred restaurants to 10-acre organic production systems at Daylesford Organic Farm. He has led agroforestry projects at Helen Browning’s farm and advised on community farms near Bristol. Ben is also the Chair of the "Community Supported Agriculture Network UK", a committee member of the "Farm Woodland Forum", and author of several gardening books including "The Woodchip Handbook" and "Silvohorticulture".

Register here https://www.irishagroforestry.ie/webinars

This is an event hosted by the Irish Agroforestry Forum