The benefits for livestock health and welfare through integrating trees into permanent pasture systems is well researched and evidenced.
Roundels (also referred to as enclosures or clusters of trees) are one example of how to introduce trees to a pasture system with multiple benefits for your livestock.
Silvopasture roundels are a practical way to bring trees onto your farm at a reasonable cost. Roundels can be different shape and sizes and, for ease, many opt for a square format approach. Each roundel consists of three sections: a central parkland tree, middle rings of nurse trees and an intermediate crop, and an outer mantle of palatable shrubs or coppice species.
Roundels are relatively simple to plant, easily replicated and can be adjusted to suit different soil types, farm outputs and livestock. They also add beauty to the historic landscape with a natural aesthetic in keeping with traditional wood pasture.
Silvopasture roundels can deliver a host of benefits over a long period of time, including:
The design of a roundel also benefits the structure itself. The climax parkland tree in the centre is protected and drawn up by the surrounding nurse trees and shrubs, while a root protection area for the climax tree is already defined by the extent of the shrub mantle.
This roundel design is planned to a diameter of 15m and made up of four different parts: one central tree, two middle rings and an outer mantle. Each part of the roundel should be spaced 2.5 metres apart, include different tree species and increase in size.
This central feature (or parkland) tree is a large tree which offers long-term benefits.
The two middle rings should be made up of nurse trees and intermediate crop trees which can provide firewood, chip and charcoal. The first ring should measure around 16.7 metres, while the second should measure around 32.48 metres.
The outer mantle contains palatable shrub or coppice species which provide short to medium-term benefits. This ring is usually around 48.9 metres and, as a future root protection area for the central tree, needs some extra consideration. Make sure you offset the surrounding posts with planting and keep it free from weeds by applying wood chip for the first three years of establishment.
The essential materials you'll need to create a silvopasture roundel are:
If required, you may also need:
This work has been supported by players of People's Postcode Lottery.
We offer expert advice and funding to help you integrate trees into your farming system through our MOREwoods, MOREhedges and Trees for Your Farm schemes.
To find out more about working with us on a bespoke agroforestry plan for your land, get in touch at plant@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
For more information on appropriate species for your site location and growing conditions, please see our tree species handbook.
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