A recent project in Aberdeenshire illustrates a clear path to farm planting in Scotland.

WHEN it comes to the public goods cited as objectives for almost all agri-environmental schemes, trees tick just about every box. Cleaner air? Check. Cleaner water? Check. Encouraging wildlife, improving the beauty and heritage of landscapes, mitigation and adaption to climate change? Check, check and check.

Trees have also been linked to increased agricultural productivity. As shelter for livestock, they can reduce incidence of mastitis in ewes and hypothermia in lambs. Trees can also reduce wind damage to arable crops.

It was this unique mix of benefits that led John Lamont, a farm manager in Aberdeenshire, to plant over 11,000 broadleaved trees last year.

“It was a joint decision with the landowner, Mr Mitchell,” says John. “We’re both keen on encouraging wildlife and wanted to further diversify habitats on the farm. We built a pond over 15 years ago and were looking for something else that would enhance the look and feel of the place.

“We also had some fields that would benefit from that shelter trees offer, as well as some damper areas where trees could help with drainage.”

West Crichie, the 525-acre and predominantly arable unit near Stuartfield, also finishes 300 Aberdeen Angus stores and fattens 500 Cheviot cross lambs from the west coast each year.

Forestry Journal: Previous planting and pond.Previous planting and pond.

“We were nearly entirely advised by SAC Consulting, part of Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) – from the funding application to what to plant and where,” John explained. “We spent half a day walking around the farm, with a rough map I’d drawn, discussing my ideas.

“On the whole, we didn’t change much, but there were a few surprises. Altering the angle of a fence line, for example, increased the amount of shelter the trees would provide and I was surprised that beech wasn’t recommended as a species.”

According to SAC Consulting’s newest forestry consultant, Ben Law, beech has had an ‘identity crisis’ in recent years. Beech trees found in Scotland were thought to have descended from foreign stock planted in Victorian gardens and avenues. More recent genetic research from the University of Stirling shows the vast majority of trees tested are descended from trees native to Great Britain.

READ MORE: Tilhill webinar to explore woodland creation funding

“Beeches are not currently considered a native species for new plantings,” said Ben. “Though that definition may change in light of the new findings.

“While they are fantastic trees with a number of benefits, a balance must be struck because beech trees colonise rapidly and shade out other species, potentially threatening more sensitive ancient native woodlands.

“Though they can support struggling red squirrel populations, beech trees are not suitable for planting where grey squirrels are present. When large-seeded trees such as beech are present, grey squirrels outcompete the native red population.

“Grey squirrels also cause significant damage through bark-stripping of beech trees – weakening and potentially killing the trees they damage.”

Oaks, elms, alder and two varieties of birch were among the species recommended for planting at West Crichie Farm.

“Oaks are amazing trees,” said Ben. “They used to form a third of all tree cover in Britain but can be quite picky about conditions. Elms are brilliant too, but Dutch elm disease has ravaged the UK population so it’s not a species we plant regularly. Birches are very tolerant and hardy trees, they are a pioneer species, fast growing and offer dappled shade.

Forestry Journal: New plantation established on the farm.New plantation established on the farm.

“When it comes to recommending what to plant and where, there’s a huge number of factors to consider. Every landowner has their own objectives, and each site is unique. Soil type, exposure to wind and rain, wind-throw risk and altitude, are just some of the factors we’ll think about.”

Planting started in October last year and was completed in December by experienced contractor Gary Davidson.

“In total we planted 15 different sections in a random pattern for a more natural look, with trees fitted with tubes and stakes, to protect them from deer,” said Gary.

Gary has been tree planting for over 12 years and his enthusiasm is infectious.

“When I first started, it was supposed to be short term, two or three months at the most. I can’t see myself doing anything else now. I’m out in the countryside, often with spectacular views, and people are really appreciative of the work I’m doing. It’s very satisfying, you just need a good set of waterproofs.

“Trees are mostly planted at the same depth. Whether it is a bare-root tree or cell-grown, just cover the roots with only a centimetre or two of soil up the stem.”

READ MORE: Over 40,000 trees to be planted as Urban Tree Challenge Fund reopens

There are many different approaches to tree planting, and which is the best depends on the landowner’s objectives, the tree species and the site. Planting into mounds is usually used for commercial plantations.

“Then there’s staking and tubing, as I did on John’s farm. Whichever method is used, it’s important to prepare the ground,” said Gary. “Not only does that make my job quicker and easier, it helps the growth of the trees.

“I like to be planting from the end of September through to June. Theoretically, you can plant cell-grown trees all year round but there’s a risk the trees will dry out, especially in these warmer summers we’ve had of late. In June, July and August I’ll be doing maintenance and survey work.”

Of course, once protected, trees require maintenance such as weeding and replacement of any failed trees, but tend to establish well.

“The Rural Payment grant, from Forestry Commission Scotland, covers five years of maintenance as well as the cost of the trees, the planting and some of the fencing costs,” said John. “It helps with replacing dead trees, wind-damaged stakes and broken plastic shelters, as well as controlling weeds. Those guards are essential to protect the trees from deer and rodents.

 “We’ve had a few trees die over the last year. Some are now emerging from their tubes already and most will come through in their second year.

“While the youngest lambs have already found shelter along the new fence lines, from the natural growth in the planted areas creating a windbreak, it’ll be another four or five years before we really see the shelter benefits. It’ll be seven to ten years before we see an impact on those damper areas of the farm. It’s a long-term project, but I’m delighted to be giving something back to the land and those that will care for it after me.”

For more information about improving existing woodland or creating new woodland, the SAC Consulting Forestry team can be contacted on 01786 450 964.

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