An Introduction to Agroforestry 

As interest grows in farming methods that supports both the environment and the business bottom line, agroforestry is becoming a popular choice across the country. It’s a practical, sustainable approach that blends trees and agriculture, and thanks to our Trees for Climate scheme, putting trees on farms is now more accessible than ever. 

Whether you’re managing a smallholding or a larger farm, agroforestry could offer real benefits for your business and your farm’s biodiversity. This short guide will introduce the basics: what do we mean by agroforestry, how it can be a useful tool for farmers, and how our Trees for Climate scheme can help plan, fund and maintain your project. 

What is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is the practice of integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural land, growing trees alongside crops or livestock in a way that benefits both. 

The ways in which trees and agriculture can be blended are almost limitless but here are a few common types: 

• Silvo-arable systems – trees grown between crop rows
• Silvo-pastural systems – combining trees with grazing animals
• Hedges and shelterbelts – using trees to provide wind and adverse weather protection
• Riparian buffers – planting trees near rivers or streams

Rather than seeing trees as separate from farming, agroforestry integrates them to provide valuable and multiple services to the farm business. 

How can agroforestry help farm businesses?

Trees in the farming landscape can address many of today’s environmental challenges and offer practical, long-term advantages for farmers. Some of these benefits include: 

• Improvements in soil fertility and water retention which can lead to better crop yields
• Providing shade, shelter and varied food for livestock which can lead to better livestock health, wellbeing and productivity
• Income diversification through sales of fruit, nuts, or other wood products
• Reduced risks of flooding by reducing run off during heavy rain
• Increased biodiversity which can sometimes be registered for Biodiversity Net Gain projects
• Atmospheric carbon absorption which can sometimes be used to create carbon credits

How our Trees for Climate scheme can help 

The Forest of Avon’s Trees for Climate scheme provides funding and expert support for tree planting projects, including agroforestry. 

If you’re considering integrating trees into your land, the scheme can offer: 

• Funding for planting and maintenance
• Free expert advice and support
• Help with planning, species selection, and project design 

Whether you have a clear plan or are just exploring ideas, our tree team can support you at every stage, from paperwork to planting and beyond! 

Is Agroforestry Right for You? 

You don’t need lots of land or a background in forestry to get started with agroforestry – just an open mind about how trees could fit into your farm’s land and business. 

If you’re curious, the next step is to have a conversation. Our knowledgeable tree team can help you explore whether integrating more trees could work for you. 

Agroforestry offers a way to farm more sustainably while improving your land and supporting nature. With funding available and expert support at hand, it’s a great time to start planning your project.