Trees could be the key to ensuring food production amidst climate change and biodiversity loss, according to farmers and researchers who will be leading the charge at the UK's first Agroforestry Show.
Researchers and farming pioneers have found that agroforestry – combining trees with livestocks or crops – can protect animals during heat waves, boost yields, and cut river and air pollution.
These findings will be presented at the show alongside new discoveries by farmers on how best to incorporate trees on farms as tools for climate resilience and producing food.
The two-day Agroforestry Show, being organised by the Soil Association and Woodland Trust on September 6 and 7, aims to upskill farmers and foresters to expand agroforestry as a key climate, nature and farming solution across the UK.
The event programme, will feature more than 100 speakers on all aspects of agroforestry and include research on how trees can prevent river pollution and reduce ammonia emission, plus insights into the benefits of tree shade to reduce heat impacts on livestock.
Farmers will also be sharing both what has worked and what hasn’t with tree planting, and the impacts it has on nature, with new updates on farm research that is being supported by the event organisers.
The need to adapt to a rapidly changing climate is becoming a critical concern for farmers. Dryer and hotter summers can have devastating effects on both arable and pastoral farms and speakers will reveal how adopting agroforestry can serve as an important buffer in heatwaves as well as in cold and wet conditions.
Shade from trees can prevent heat stress on dairy cows which can lead to lower productivity, higher disease levels and reproduction issues.
Soil Association Head of Agroforestry Ben Raskin said:
“The nation’s love of trees and hedgerows shows we intrinsically understand the benefits of trees on farms. But we desperately need more, and this event aims to empower people to make this happen.
“Evidence from farming pioneers and researchers shows that agroforestry can deliver resilience for land managers across the country. Trees can protect their farms from extreme weather, make additional income from tree products and build biodiversity into their land.
“But there is a knowledge gap in this country so the Agroforestry Show is aimed at giving farmers and foresters the confidence to have a go by themselves to kick-start a farmer-led tree revolution.”
Helen Chesshire, Lead Farming Advocate at the Woodland Trust said:
“We know bringing more trees into the UK farmed landscapes is essential if we are to meet nature and climate goals. Implementing agroforestry does this whilst also supporting farmers to continue to produce agricultural outputs – a win-win scenario. But with less than 5% the UK agricultural area under agroforestry this show is needed to give farmers and foresters the confidence to implement it at scale.”
Modelling by Cranfield University, which is summarised in the Woodland Trust's recent Agroforestry Report*, showed that by establishing silvopastoral systems on 30% of England's grasslands it would bring pastoral systems into net zero greenhouse gas production by 2051 (assuming no emission cuts from other farm operations).
There are over 100 expert speakers attending the show, at Eastbrook Farm near Swindon, which is backed by lead sponsor Sainsbury’s,, to discuss first-hand how they are using trees on their farms.
One such speaker, Dr. Lindsay Whistance, Organic Research Centre Senior Livestock Researcher, has led studies in agroforestry and delegates will be able see to her discuss in person how ecologically resilient systems support ‘a life worth living’.
She said:
“Heat stress on animals is very real. Our Studies have shown that livestock are starting to use shade at around 18oC indicating an avoidance of mild heat stress at this level. Mild heat stress shouldn’t be taken lightly as even this can lead to a 3-litre reduction in milk yield, so the importance of cooling farms is very real.”
Eastbrook Farm is managed by Soil Association Chief Executive Helen Browning, who will be giving tours of her seven-year agroforestry project which has been supported by the Woodland Trust.
Key sessions at the show include:
Trees, climate change and resilience: Agroforestry has strong potential to help farms adapt to climate change. In this session we will hear how agroforestry systems are providing farmers greater adaptation benefits in the face of temperature/rainfall trends, more erratic weather, and extreme climatic events, and will discuss different aspects that need to be considered in resilient agroforestry design, focussing on tree species choices. Speakers: Andy Dibben (Abbey Home Farm), Peter Aspin (Hollies Farm / Shropshire Agroforestry Project) and Chair Will Simonson
Hedges, Edges and Farmland Trees: This session will bring alive the benefits of existing Hedges, Edges and Farmland trees. Hear from farmers who value them and the wide variety of roles they play on their farms. Find out about the practical management of farm native woodlands, hedges, shelter belts and in-field trees to support livestock, crops, nature and for future generations. Speakers: James Robinson (Strickley), Ben Andrews (Boardward Hall), Ruth Pybus (Broadleaf Wales) Chair: Emma Bird (Woodland Trust
The Importance of trees in resilient livestock systems: The presence of trees in livestock systems can act as an important buffer leading to an increase in system resilience. There is considerable potential for trees to support good welfare for farmed animals including protection against extreme weather patterns and optimising the use and value of home-grown feedstuffs. In this session, the panellists will cover the major benefits of re-connecting animals with tree-enriched landscapes, covering aspects of shade and shelter and nutrition and medicine. Speakers: Lindsay Whistance (Organic Research Centre), Henry Andrews (Leworthy Manor Farm), Sokratis Stergiadis (University of Reading) Chair Jo Smith (MV Agroecology Research Centre)
Cows & Trees in Silvopasture: How can tree planting be best designed for shade, shelter, and browse for cattle? What lessons can be learned from existing UK silvopasture systems? Listen to first-hand experience from farmers working with trees and cows in this session, including the farmer-led research with the Devon Silvopasture Network supported by the Soil Association, Woodland Trust and Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West.
Book tickets for the show at: https://www.agroforestryshow.com/tickets
