Regional Manager talks to farmers about woodland
One of Scottish Woodlands’ Regional Managers has explained the significant opportunities offered by woodland creation in England to a farming audience.
Gareth Owen, Regional Manager for England and Wales, took part in one of a series of events on alternative land uses organised by Farmers Weekly in Northumberland.
He said: “It was a great opportunity to talk through the practical experience of the New Woodland Creation system in England, highlighting the strong funding available as well as the challenges around the application and approval process.”
“I also talked about balancing the wide range of benefits from woodland creation. It’s vital for farmers in 2024 to think about biodiversity, flood protection and other public goods, but it’s also important that the financial numbers stack up and deliver clear benefits to the farming business.”
“Our clients have seen strong forestry incomes in recent years at a time when there has been perhaps less certainty from traditional agricultural incomes - so diversifying a farm business through woodland creation can be a positive decision for farmers. However, they need to be very clear what their goals are at the beginning of the process."
The event also involved speakers from the Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust and a walk around the Kirkharle Estate in Northumberland to view its woodland creation sites.
