Cornwall Farmers Embrace Tree Planting to Enhance Woodland Cover

In an ambitious move to expand woodland areas across Cornwall, local farmers have embarked on a significant tree-planting venture.

This effort, part of a government-backed project, seeks to intertwine the cultivation of thousands of trees with traditional farming practices, including crops and livestock management.

Government Support for Agroforestry

At the heart of this environmental push is the Forest for Cornwall team, which has been instrumental in championing a series of agroforestry pilot projects. These initiatives, funded by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ Woodland Creation Partnership Fund, aim to integrate tree planting with ongoing farm production activities. Whether it involves livestock, arable farming, horticulture, or orchard management, the goal is to seamlessly blend agriculture with forestry.

Pilot Projects and Future Goals

The first phase of this campaign has seen the successful planting of over 4,000 trees across four pilot sites, marking a significant step towards the objective of planting more than 32,000 trees in the upcoming winter season. The planting efforts have spanned various farm areas, including field corners, hedgerows, shelterbelts, and orchards, at locations such as Rosuick Farm on the Lizard, Woodland Valley Farm in Ladock, Hametethy Farm near Bodmin, and Trenow Fields at Gulval.

These newly planted trees are set to offer a myriad of benefits, from providing necessary shade and shelter for farm animals to enhancing biodiversity and fostering nature recovery efforts.

Educational Workshops and Widespread Participation

In addition to planting efforts, the Forest for Cornwall team recently hosted a workshop aimed at educating farmers about the advantages of agroforestry. The event attracted 60 farmers and landowners, alongside representatives from the Forestry Commission and Natural England, highlighting the growing interest in sustainable farming practices.

Moreover, this winter alone, the team has facilitated the planting of trees in over 60 other farm and landholding projects, underscoring the widespread commitment to environmental stewardship among the local farming community.

A Call to Action

Martyn Alvey, Cornwall’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, praised the initiative, stressing the importance of large-scale tree planting on underutilised land. He underscored the dual benefits of woodland creation, namely carbon sequestration and the restoration of natural habitats.

“As we mark International Day of Forests, I want to express my gratitude towards the farmers for their dedication. We eagerly anticipate this year’s planting projects and are committed to supporting more farmers in adopting this highly beneficial planting system,” Martyn said.

Forest for Cornwall and its collaborative efforts with local farmers and landowners illustrate a proactive approach to environmental conservation and a model for integrating agricultural productivity with ecological preservation.

Find out more – Forest for Cornwall support.