As part of its new programme on agroforestry Soil Association Scotland is showcasing how trees can benefit agricultural production. They are starting with a webinar on 11th February featuring Phil Knott’s 10-acre croft on Skye and Mike Hyatt, of Baleveolan Croft, Isle of Lismore. Phil (a supporter of Skye Climate Action) and his partner Laura have planted 3500 trees, including fruit trees, providing more apples than the family can eat. The trees also provide shelter from gales and salt winds, which gives more options for growing, and they enrich the soil through leaflitter and nutrient cycling. Phil and Laura plan to eventually produce vegetables and livestock to sell, once soil health and biodiversity are further established.
Agroforestry is the integration of trees into farming, based on the principle of the right tree in the right place. Trees provide protection, store carbon through their roots and supply useful products. Incorporating more trees into crofts and farms can help restore and increase fertility, nature and climate.
Soil Association Scotland’s first webinar on crofting will be followed by two more on integrating trees into different farming systems (25th February) and funding for agroforestry (11th March).
See our events listings for more information.