The tree handout will help tackle the impact of ash die-back, as well as locking up more carbon on farms, which will help to deliver on the NFU’s ambition for agriculture to be ‘net zero’ for greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
The tree packs were provided by the Woodland Trust and included varieties suited to hedgerows, copses, wet woodlands or encouraging wildlife. The project is being funded by Lloyds Banking Group.
NFU South West regional director Melanie Squires said: “As custodians of the South West’s fabulous landscapes which provide so much, not just in terms of providing the food we eat but as the foundation of our vital tourism industry, farmers know how important it is to keep it looking at its best, which includes having plenty of healthy trees.”
Rob Daulby, assistant outreach officer for the Woodland Trust, said the trees would provide a boost for the environment and for farmers.
“Trees give shade and shelter for livestock, provide habitat for birds and other insects and improve water quality and soil health. More trees means more connectivity of woods and trees across the landscape providing vital wildlife corridors. What’s more we have a carbon offer that could enable farmers to earn an income from planting trees.”
Queen's Green Canopy
Trees planted as part of the #MoreTrees4Farms scheme can also be part of the Queen’s Green Canopy, a tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. You can find out more about it and add your Jubilee tree to the Green Canopy map at queensgreencanopy.org.
• Share pictures of your trees when they have been planted, tagging @NFUsouthwest, #MoreTrees4Farms and #FreeTrees.
Tree handout team at Totnes