Planting Native Trees - A Valuable Farm Asset

Currently less than  percent of Northern Ireland countryside is covered in broad leaf woodland. Agri-environment schemes aim to increase the area of new broadleaf woodland by providing financial assistance for planting.

Up to £1,110 per ha is available for this work, with 0.2ha the maximum area that can be planted in any one plot. Farm woodland provides important wildlife corridors and habitat as well as contributing to the landscape character of the countryside. Currently there are over half a million trees planted under agri-environment schemes.

John and James Caldwell have a beef farm on the outskirts of Killen, Co Tyrone. The Caldwell brothers have been participants in the Countryside Management Scheme since 2002. Their farm contains important priority habitats, such as lowland raised bog, established farm woodland and an archaeological feature. Since 2002, the Caldwells have undertaken a substantial amount of hedge regeneration in addition to the planting of six different areas of native trees.

Small clumps of native trees can be planted in various different locations around the farm. On the Caldwell’s farm most tree planting has taken place in areas of improved grassland, where it was difficult for large machinery to access for silage cutting. Planting awkward corners of fields can simplify field operations and help to create a new habitat for wildlife.

When selecting suitable tree species for planting, it is important to consider the site. Alder, Birch and Willow are best suited to wet conditions whereas Oak and Scots Pine prefer drier sites. Tree species selection can be tailored to suit each individual site.

The scheme booklet and two new technical booklets entitled “Trees” and “Field Boundaries” are now available on the Countryside Management pages of the Rural NI website at www.ruralni.gov.uk

If you would be interested in planting a small area of broadleaf trees, contact Countryside Management Branch at your local DARD office for details.