The award-winning Integrating Trees Network is hosting an event with Tomintoul farmers Andy and Debbie Duffus to highlight the benefits of tree planting to other farmers.
Andy and Debbie run their 1,520 hectare beef hill farm at Mains of Auchriachan in Tomintoul. They are inviting other farmers to come and see how they have recently integrated trees into their farm to add value to the business.
The free farm visit, Walking and Talking: Exploring the Benefits of Trees for Big and Wee Beasts with Andy & Debbie Duffus, is being held on Wednesday 2 October between 10am-1pm.
Andy said, “Both Debbie and I have been keen to expand the woodland cover on the farm for a combination of benefits. These include shelter for the livestock, increasing the farm’s woodland habitat and the production of timber and biofuel for the business.
“By comparison to others, the growing of trees on the farm is a relatively new venture for us but it has proven worthwhile already. We think it would be useful for other farmers to hear how we did it, the challenges and what has really worked for us.”
During the farm visit, Andy and Debbie will introduce everyone to their farm and discuss the initial thought process around the decision to plant trees, the objectives they set themselves and what outcomes they wanted and have achieved.
Scottish Forestry, which supports the Integrating Trees Network with the Scottish Government, will also be attending to offer guidance and advice on grants available.
Lyn White, forestry and farming development officer with Scottish Forestry added, “The Integrating Trees Network farm visits are a great way for farmers and land managers to see how others have successfully grown trees to boost their business and the environment.
“This event will provide a great opportunity to hear from Andy and Debbie on how they have approached growing trees at their farm.”
A speaker from the Spey Catchment Initiative will be attending too to give advice on landscape and riparian planting to boost the environment.