‘Your Farm's Future: Trees an option and opportunity? Why and how they can benefit your business’ will take place from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday 23 September at Strathpeffer Community Centre, before moving to Knockbain Farm near Dingwall for an afternoon farm visit.
Organised by the Integrating Trees Network, the event will bring together farmers, forestry experts and advisers to discuss the role trees can play in helping agricultural businesses adapt and thrive in the future.
The day will begin with a presentation from Davy McCracken of SRUC, who will share insights into how trees can support farm resilience, productivity and sustainability. Participants will also have the opportunity to take part in an open discussion about the role of trees within their own businesses and future plans.
In the afternoon, attendees will visit Knockbain Farm, an award-winning 250-hectare mixed farm run by the Lockett family. Over recent years, the farm has developed a network of wetlands, hedgerows, ponds and expanding areas of native and productive woodland alongside its pedigree Luing cattle enterprise.
During the farm tour, Richard Lockett will discuss the family's woodland creation journey, highlighting the contribution trees make to aspects including:
- livestock welfare
- biodiversity
- timber production
- overall farm resilience
Speaking about the event, Richard said: “Woodlands are now an important part of our farming business. We're looking forward to sharing both the successes and the lessons we've learned with others who may be considering the first steps on their own woodland creation journey.”
A representative from Scottish Forestry will also be on hand to answer questions about woodland creation funding and to provide practical guidance on taking the first steps towards integrating trees into farming businesses.
