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Trees play an integral role in farm ecosystems, offering benefits that go far beyond their aesthetic appeal. For livestock and crop production, trees provide nutrition, disease suppression, and a more resilient farm environment. Here, I explore key UK-native trees with proven benefits, practical tips for integration, and available grant schemes to help landowners invest in agroforestry. Nutritional Benefits for Livestock Willow : A standout for its high levels of cobalt and zinc, essential for sheep health. Research shows that willow leaves can address mineral deficiencies, especially in cobalt-deficient pastures, boosting lamb growth rates during summer when forage quality declines. See: https://www.agricology.co.uk/field/blog/agroforestry-silvopasture-using-willow-grazing . Alder : Known for its nitrogen-fixing properties, alder enriches soil health while its leaves offer trace elements beneficial to livestock. Its tannins also reduce parasite loads in grazing animals. See: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=422 . Oak : A traditional choice for silvopastoral systems, oak provides high-energy browse for livestock during lean periods. However, its acorns must be managed carefully to prevent toxicity. See: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/research/oak-health-overview/ . Hazel : While not as nutrient-dense as willow or alder, hazel can serve as a supplementary feed and offers valuable shade and shelter. See: https://www.agroforestry.co.uk/agroforestry-practice/ . Reducing Disease in Orchards and Fields Willow chips have shown efficacy in suppressing diseases like scab in apple orchards. This property can be particularly useful in mixed-use farms combining livestock and orchards. See: https://www.organicresearchcentre.com/ . Similarly, alder’s ability to improve water management can reduce root rot and other moisture-related issues. Shade, Shelter, and Improved Pasture Trees like birch and sycamore provide excellent shelterbelts that stabilize microclimates for livestock, reducing heat stress in summer and wind chill in winter. Their presence can enhance grass production by improving water infiltration and retaining soil structure. See: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=195 . Practical Integration of Trees Living Fences : Willow and hazel can be planted as living fences, providing browse and additional forage while serving as natural barriers. Silvopasture : Mix trees like oak and alder within grazing paddocks to improve forage quality and animal health. Grant Support for Agroforestry The UK government’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offers funding for agroforestry projects. Look for codes such as: TE4 (Tree Establishment) : Supports planting and nurturing trees in silvopastoral systems. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ . BN5 (Hedgerow Maintenance) : Incentivizes the use of trees and shrubs as hedges, offering benefits for biodiversity and livestock. See: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/natural-england . AC1 (Animal Health and Welfare Review) : Although not tree-specific, this grant can cover tree-based solutions for improving livestock welfare. See: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/funding-for-farmers-and-land-managers . Case Study: Willow for Sheep Nutrition A farmer in Devon integrated willow into their paddocks, addressing cobalt deficiency in their sheep. By allowing limited access to willow browse during summer, lamb weight gains improved by 15%, with no need for mineral supplements. This approach also enhanced soil moisture retention, benefiting surrounding pastures. See: https://www.agricology.co.uk/resources . More Information: Bowhayes Trees offers a range of native trees perfect for integrating into your farming systems. Whether you’re looking to improve livestock health, diversify your farm, or enhance biodiversity, we’re here to help. Visit https://www.bowhayestrees.co.uk  to explore our collection and get expert advice tailored to your needs.

They play a crucial role in pollinating crops, which provides us with food, and supports our economy. Without bees, we would have less food, and our diets would be less diverse. By planting these flowers, you can provide a source of food for bees throughout the year. Solitary bees, such as mason bees and leafcutter bees, nest in hollow plant stems, holes in wood, and nesting sites for these bees by leaving some areas of your garden untrimmed, or by drilling holes in wood

When Rowan Trees Offer the Most Food Other Wildlife Attracted to Rowan Trees Best Rowan Varieties for ornamental charm, the Rowan Tree plays a vital ecological role  — acting as a beacon for birds , a food When Rowan Trees Offer the Most Food The berries usually ripen between August and October , making Rowan Summary Rowan Trees provide more than just visual charm — they offer food, shelter, and biodiversity FAQs Are Rowan Trees good for birds in urban areas?

conditions with minimal care Rowan trees are often found growing at the edge of woodlands, in hedgerows Stat:  According to the Woodland Trust, Rowan trees support over 60 insect species. , like all trees, they benefit from a little attention to ensure healthy growth, remove any damaged wood Here’s what to focus on: Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood  to improve tree health and reduce People would also carry Rowan sprigs or make protective charms from its wood, especially during festivals

Why Trees Need a Good Water Supply Water is absolutely essential for trees—particularly young ones. Without enough moisture, trees struggle to access the food they need to grow. A good rule of thumb is to water: Every 2-3 days  in very hot, dry weather (especially for trees planted Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (like bark chips or composted wood) around the base of the tree—but If it feels dry a couple of inches below the surface, it’s time for a good soak!

Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood  to maintain plant health. Rejuvenate old shrubs  by removing one-third of the oldest wood at ground level each year over a three-year Prune affected parts back to healthy wood and disinfect tools between cuts. Remove faded flowers, crossing branches, and any dead or diseased wood. Are lilac trees good for pollinators? Absolutely.

Remove any crossing or rubbing branches, dead wood, or thin out congested growth to let light in. It infects through cuts in the wood (pruning wounds) typically in autumn/winter. Dispose of that wood (burn it). Cherry wood has been used in woodworking and the trees sometimes planted as commemorative specimens ( The site is open to wind in parts and they have occasional deer visiting from nearby woods.

Its evergreen foliage symbolized eternal life, while its ability to regenerate from old wood further The nuts, rich in nutrients, were also a valuable food source. It was often called the “Lady of the Woods.” Its wood was highly valued for its strength and flexibility.

Wildlife Benefits:  Provide food and shelter when deciduous trees are bare. It tolerates sun or shade and can be shaped back hard—even into old wood. Are evergreen trees good for privacy all year? Absolutely.

Why Rowan Trees Need Minimal Pruning Rowans are naturally elegant and upright, and most will form a good Explore more in our blog: Why Rowan Trees Are a Magnet for Birds and Wildlife Stat:  According to the Woodland Trust, over 60 species rely on Rowan for food and habitat. Just avoid removing all fruiting wood. What tools do I need to prune a Rowan?

A final boost now strengthens woody growth, supports root development, and helps plants prepare for winter For more inspiration on choosing species that support biodiversity, visit the Woodland Trust guide to Pruning This is a good month for light pruning. September is a good time to trim evergreen hedges such as Escallonia ( Escallonia laevis 'Pink Elle' Good airflow around plants and healthy soil also reduces the risk of recurring problems.

Quick Fact:  The name ‘Rowan’ is thought to come from the Norse word raun  or runa , meaning "a charm Its wood, berries, and branches  were all seen as tools for protection: Rowan crosses  were tied with Walking sticks made of Rowan wood  were believed to keep evil away while travelling. Are Rowan trees good for wildlife? Yes!