Agroforestry in Practice: Insights from the Agroforestry Show

Last week, Ceres Rural attended the Agroforestry Show in Maple Cross and came away with some valuable insights into emerging systems and funding opportunities. Here’s a summary of the most relevant points.   

Agroforestry in Pasture: Forage and Shelter 

Agroforestry systems that integrate trees into pasture offer multiple benefits: 

• Trees can provide high-quality forage, especially during dry seasons when grass is limited. 

• They offer shade and shelter, which is increasingly important as we experience hotter summers and wetter winters. 

• Improved nutrition from tree forage may reduce vet bills and boost livestock resilience. 

Market Opportunities from Agroforestry 

Agroforestry can tap into several long-established markets such as timber, fruit and woodfuel, as well as the newly emerging carbon market. In addition, growing nuts as a secondary crop is gaining traction in the UK, particularly with walnuts: 

• Nearly all walnuts consumed in the UK are imported, presenting a significant market opportunity. 

• Tom Tame of Warwickshire Walnuts grows and processes walnuts into oil onsite. He also grazes or sells hay from the understory and runs courses on commercial walnut production. 

• Other nuts being trialled include hazelnuts and pecans. 

• Steven Newman has developed large-scale, high-revenue agroforestry systems. He is also exploring tree integration in vineyards to help manage mildew and pests. 

Environmental Benefits 

The uptake in agroforestry across the UK has led to an increase in research into its long-term benefits. An agroforestry system can: 

• increase biodiversity 

• reduce surface runoff 

• increase carbon sequestration 

• and mitigate air and water pollution. 

 The Soil Association has produced a comprehensive agroforestry handbook which covers in a good level of detail the practical, economic and environmental aspects of agroforestry. This is available to download from their website. 

Funding Opportunities 

Several funding streams are currently available: 

• CS Higher Tier is now open for invited applicants. It includes an agroforestry revenue item. 

• The PA4 Agroforestry Plan funds the planning and advice required prior to establishing a system. It also opens the door to the agroforestry revenue item in Higher Tier (see point above).  

• The Big Chalk Nature Recovery Fund provides capital funding for trees and guards for farms in chalk and limestone areas across the south and midlands. 

Note: Planting trees for agroforestry does not constitute a land use change and should not significantly affect land value. In many systems, trees are managed on a cyclical basis and can be removed or replaced. 

Looking for advice? We can help.  

Whether you’re exploring pasture-based systems, nut production, or estate-scale integration, there are valuable resources and expert contacts available to support your journey. Get in touch.