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Farming is changing. Landowners are facing increasing pressure from climate change, soil degradation, rising costs, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather. But across the landscape, one solution is quietly transforming the way land works: agroforestry.
13 May 2026
Agroforestry combines trees with farming to create more resilient, productive, and profitable land. It’s a practical approach that works with nature - helping farms thrive while restoring wildlife, improving soils, and capturing carbon.
At the National Forest, transformation is at the heart of everything we do. Agroforestry is about transforming land into something more resilient, more connected, and more valuable for future generations.
Agroforestry combines trees and farming within the same landscape. Rather than separating agriculture and forestry, it brings them together to deliver multiple benefits from the same piece of land.
This can include woodland creation, scattered trees in grazing systems, trees within arable fields, or strengthened hedgerow networks. Agroforestry helps future-proof land by improving soil health, supporting biodiversity, strengthening water management and increasing long-term productivity to help future-proof your land against problems yet to come.
There are many different approaches to agroforestry, each suited to different landscapes, farming systems and objectives. Below, we explore the main types of agroforestry and how they can be applied in practice.
Woodland creation can transform underused, difficult or less productive land into valuable long-term assets. As well as producing timber and capturing carbon, woodlands help reduce soil erosion, improve water management, provide shelter for livestock and crops, and create rich habitats for wildlife and pollinators.
Scattered trees across grazing land create resilient and visually striking landscapes. Parkland and wood pasture systems provide natural shelter and shade for livestock while supporting biodiversity, soil health, and water retention. They also preserve the character of the landscape and create space for wildlife to thrive alongside farming.
Silverpasture integrates trees, livestock, and grazing land into one productive system. Trees provide shade, shelter, and natural fodder while improving animal welfare and helping land cope with extreme weather. At the same time, they can create additional long-term income through timber, fruit, or biomass production.
Silvoarable systems combine rows of trees with arable crops. The trees act as wind-breaks, improve soil structure, support pollinators, and increase water retention, while continuing to support productive farming. Over time, they also provide an additional crop and strengthen the resilience of the wider landscape.
Hedgerows and tree-lined boundaries do far more than divide fields. They connect habitats, create wildlife corridors, shelter livestock, reduce wind exposure, and help manage water runoff. These networks are vital for biodiversity and play an important role in creating healthier, more connected landscapes.
Agroforestry is about more than planting trees. It’s about transforming land to make it more productive, resilient, and sustainable for the future.
By integrating trees into farming systems, landowners can strengthen their businesses while restoring nature, improving soil and water health, supporting biodiversity, and creating landscapes that are better equipped for a changing climate.
Whether you’re considering woodland creation, shelter belts, silvopasture, or hedgerow planting, we can help you understand what works best for your land. We work with farmers and landowners to make tree planting practical, achievable, and beneficial for the future of your farm, with grants that can cover up to 100% of planting costs. Our friendly team can help you explore funding opportunities and develop an approach tailored to your land, your business, and your long-term goals.
