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 its 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?

Autumn brings colourful berries known as haws, which are an important food source for birds. Unlike some ornamental trees that flower on the previous year's wood, hawthorn is generally tolerant the risk of fungal infection Avoid pruning during severe frost or very wet conditions Remove damaged wood Good planting position and occasional pruning are the most effective ways to maintain healthy growth. Are hawthorn berries good for wildlife? Yes.

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

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.

Unlike crab apples, Amelanchier flowers on wood formed the previous year, so heavy winter pruning can summer) Choose a dry day to reduce disease risk Avoid heavy winter pruning unless removing damaged wood Remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood Cut out crossing or congested stems Thin older stems on multi-stem Wildlife Value Spring blossom supports pollinators; summer berries provide food for birds. Good drainage, correct watering, and minimal pruning help prevent most problems.

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.

When paired with compatible native and ornamental species, rowans work well in mixed planting and woodland-style wildlife Reduced disease risk by avoiding monoculture planting Layered structure that reflects natural woodland Why plant together: Creates vertical interest Supports moths, birds, and insects Ideal for woodland-style Can Rowan trees be planted in mixed or woodland-style schemes? Yes, Rowan trees are well-suited to mixed and woodland-style planting schemes.

shoots Mid to late summer Light removal only to control excessive vigour Dead, damaged, or diseased wood Crab apples (Malus species) form many of their flower buds on short spurs that develop on older wood. protection Personal safety Top Tip: Always disinfect tools between trees and after removing diseased wood framework, while mature trees usually need very little intervention beyond: removing dead or damaged wood supports healthy growth 2 Inspect the tree Identifies dead, damaged, or crowded branches 3 Remove dead wood

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.