A natural ally to help meet today’s farming challenges
Native trees have long been the farmer’s friend, but current challenges spell out a need for more trees as a boost to productive agriculture.
With almost four decades of expertise in planting trees, the Woodland Trust is geared up to help farmers and landowners experience the many benefits of native woodland. The conservation charity is offering advice on all aspects of woodland creation, including guidance on sources of funding.
James McConaghy, a retired dairy farmer, is just one of an increasing number of Northern Ireland landowners enjoying the fruits of tree planting efforts. Over 8,000 broadleaf trees – mainly oak and ash – now grace eight acres of his picturesque farm in Ballycastle, on the north-easterly tip of County Antrim.
Mr McConaghy said: “Some parts of the farm – mostly around the outer edges - were mossy and rocky, and unsuitable for grazing or silage. So we made the decision to turn most of this unused land into woodland. With help from the Woodland Trust and grant-aid from Forest Service, we had our planting carried out by a local contractor MGS Landscaping.
“We wanted to do something for the environment, and we’ve succeed in our aim of creating a new wildlife habitat. It’s all been fairly straightforward and, just one year on, the young trees are really thriving.”
Native woods and trees offer a huge range of benefits to farmers, including shelter for crops and livestock; and summer shade important for both animal welfare and productivity. And now, with rising energy costs, more and more people are planning to plant for wood fuel. Home-grown firewood can be available within 10 to 15 years of planting, with annual sustainable supplies to heat the farmhouse thereafter.
Whatever your incentive for planting, you could soon be walking through your own flourishing young forest of oak, ash, hazel and rowan.
“We’re offering farmers and landowners all the advice they need to get their planting underway and, thanks to Forest Service’s Woodland Grant Scheme, grant-aid is available for planting half an acre or more,” said Jackie Morgan, the Trust’s Advice and Partnerships Manager. “Unused areas of land can easily be turned into flourishing woodland, and at little or no cost to the landowner.”
To find out more, telephone the Woodland Trust on 0845 293 5689; email woodlandcreation@woodlandtrust.org.uk or visit www.MoreTreesMoreGood.org.uk/planting
foo