Integrating Trees Network – Your farm’s future: Trees an option and opportunity? Why and how they can benefit your business

Join ITN for an insightful day exploring how trees can benefit your farming business now and in the future. You’ll meet at Strathpeffer Community Centre to hear from Davy McCracken, SRUC, who will share his practical experiences of the important role trees play in the future of our farms. There will then be a short open discussion where you can share and hear from others about how trees feature in plans to build resilient agricultural businesses into the future.

In the afternoon, Richard Lockett will introduce you to Knockbain Farm, his family’s award-winning 250 ha mixed farm near Dingwall. Over recent years, the farm has been developing a network of wetlands, hedges, ponds, and expanding areas of native and commercial woodlands. A pedigree herd of Luing cattle is managed through mob grazing across grasslands and wildflower meadows, while the woodlands provide shelter, shade, wildlife habitat, timber, and wood fuel.

During the visit, you’ll discuss the farm’s woodland creation journey since the 1970s, including both successes and challenges, as well as the vital role that woodlands play in supporting livestock, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to the overall resilience of the farming system.

You’ll also hear from a Scottish Forestry speaker who will join to answer your questions on funding and the first steps to woodland creation.