John Tucker_the benefits of integrating trees into farm systems
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1. Integrating trees into farming systems can provide multiple benefits such as reducing flooding, soil erosion, and pollution. Trees use more water than shorter vegetation and act as "green leaky dams" to reduce peak water flows. 2. Woodland strips increase water infiltration which can reduce the amount of nitrates, phosphorous, and sediment from farming entering water sources. One example project in Wales saw increased infiltration after storms after farmers cooperated to plant 120,000 trees across 1,000 hectares. 3. Other benefits include providing shelter for livestock, attracting more insects to aid pollination of crops, and opportunities for marketing products as "woodland eggs" or "woodland chickens" which can fetch
John Tucker_the benefits of integrating trees into farm systems
- 1. The benefits of integrating trees into farming systemsJohn TuckerDirector, Woodland CreationWoodland Trust.
- 2. “Never the twain shall meet”?
- 3. Benefits of integrationFlooding/soil erosion/pollutionShelter/shadeMarketing and biosecurityTimberFood and novel cropsAgroforestry.
- 4. Climate change – more significant weather events?Hull 2007Hull 2007
- 6. Why trees?Trees use more water than shorter vegetation
- 7. Act as a green leaky dam reducing peak flows by 10% - 20%
- 8. Targeted catchment planting can have significant impacts in modifying flooding.PollutionFarming contributes 60% of nitrate pollution, 25% phosphorous, 70% sediment entering water.
- 9. Woodland strips can increase infiltration by 60%
- 10. Pontbren Powys: 10 farmers co-operate planted 120,000 trees across 1,000ha
- 11. Unexpected consequence was increased infiltration after 2001 stormsShelter
- 12. Pontbren, PowysRestored tree belts and hedges to enable them to keep hardier breeds of sheep that could lamb outdoors
- 13. PollinationSheltered woodland belts will attract more insects
- 14. Good variety of trees with flowering shrubs will help
- 15. 39 crops grown for fruit and seed in the UK are insect pollinated.Marketing/animal welfare2001 John Widdowson found his hens produced better quality eggs when in a woodland environment
- 16. 2004 Sainsbury’s Woodland Eggs
- 17. 2009 Sainsbury’s Woodland Chickens
- 18. 2010 Sainsbury’s Woodland Turkeys.Pollution controlTrees and woodland can help mitigate pollution from chicken farmsCut down emissions by slowing wind speedsPollution capture by treesIncreased mixing with air due to increased turbulence
- 19. Timber
- 20. Timber products
- 22. Novel crops
- 23. Novel crops - trufflesSummer truffle plantation established in Yorkshire90% truffles in France are from commercial orchardsWholesale prices can exceed £1,000/kgPlantations can produce 20kg/ha/annum
- 26. Summary.“ I am confident that farm woodland creation is about to enjoy a bit of a renaissance with improved incentives and an increased awareness amongst farmers of the opportunities that exist.”Jim McLaren, President, NFU Scotland.