‘Walking and Talking Trees and Hedges: Transforming Cowhill Estate’ will take place from 10am to 1pm on Tuesday 18 August at Heathfield Farm, Dumfries.
Organised by the Integrating Trees Network, the event will showcase how the 1,416-hectare Cowhill Estate Trust is using trees and hedges as part of a diverse farming operation that includes:
- dairy
- beef
- sheep
- arable enterprises
The estate includes more than 263 hectares of woodland and wetland habitat and around 55 kilometres of hedgerows.
Forester Sam Boley and Farm Manager Stuart Neish will share how they are working together to meet the estate's wide-ranging objectives. By managing and expanding its woodlands and hedgerows, the estate is:
- boosting biodiversity
- providing shelter and shade for livestock
- producing high-quality timber
- protecting soils, storing carbon
- helping to manage water across the landscape
During the event, participants will hear how decisions are made about where and what to plant to benefit both farming and forestry. Discussions will also explore how laying hedges can improve shelter, strengthen stock boundaries and support wildlife.
Speaking about the event, Sam said: “I’m really looking forward to showing people what we are creating on the estate and how planting trees and hedges can be a win-win for livestock and biodiversity.”
Staff from Scottish Forestry will also be on hand to provide guidance on woodland creation, including information on grant funding and the first steps involved in establishing new woodland.
This event is free to attend, but booking is essential.
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