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Realising the Farm’s Woodland Potential
SAC is facilitating a new Focus Farm initiative launched to help Scottish livestock farmers realise the full economic and environmental potential of their woodlands. The initiative is funded by Quality Meat Scotland and Forestry Commission Scotland.
SAC is leading three meetings on farms in each of the South Scotland, Perth and Argyll and Grampian conservancies with a total of nine meetings in all.
According to SAC’s Senior Woodlands Consultant Simon Jacyna “Traditionally, forestry has taken place on one side of the fence and farming on the other, so each side’s knowledge of the other has been limited. This programme is offering livestock farmers the opportunity to take a fresh look at the very real benefits woodland can offer – it is not about forestry replacing agriculture, but about careful design and planning of woodland with clear objectives which will reap benefits for the farmer.”
A wide range of topics will be covered in the programme. It includes integrated grazing and woodland with its shelter and fencing benefits, controlled grazing within woodland, timber and woodfuel production, landscaping and creating wildlife corridors.
The initiative will also look at technical issues such as the potential animal health benefits of putting woodland barriers between neighbouring stock or assessing where shelter woods should be located to benefit the animals. Attention will be paid to other woodland or livestock farming topics raised by focus group members.
Peter Beattie, Technical Projects manager for QMS, said: “The meetings will offer attendees the opportunity to view real-life examples of managed woodlands and discuss with the farmers and specialists the successes and challenges of combining forestry with stock keeping. The meetings will be of interest to farmers, foresters, advisors and rural policy staff.”
The launch meeting was held at Bolfracks Estate, Aberfeldy, Perthshire courtesy of Athel Price. Mr Price is well known for his innovative approach to woodland management and the estate has won the “Scotland’s Finest Woods Award”.
The farms so far selected for the project are Easter Bauds Lhanbrdye, Elgin; Wellheads, Huntly; Auchmacoy Estate, Ellon; Bolfracks Estate, Aberfeldy; Ballathie and Baldarroch Farms, near Blairgowrie; SAC’s Easter Howgate farm, Penicuik; and Bargany Estate in Ayrshire.
Full details of the other farms and the meeting dates can now be found on the Monitor Farms website. For further information on events in the north contact Simon Jacyna, for events in the south contact Jennifer Greaves, their details are shown below.