As winter settles in and bare root season kicks off, Jeremy Clarkson, the unexpected agricultural icon of Clarkson's Farm, has turned his attention to planting trees.
Sharing his tree-planting adventures in his column in the Sunday Times Magazine, he revealed: “Each 25-foot tall tree cost more than most hatchbacks.
"They arrived on a fleet of articulated lorries, with their roots encased in sacks, and were lowered into holes that had been made by a 21-ton digger. This was wilding, with extra diesel."
If Clarkson’s Farm has shown us anything, it’s that farming is as much about creative problem-solving as it is about tradition. His approach might be more Top Gear than "green thumb," but it highlights a growing trend for agroforestry among UK farmers.
New tree planting guide released
The recently released Tree Species Guide for UK Agroforestry Systems, developed by Forest Research and the University of Reading, offers advice for those looking to integrate trees into their farmland.
It identifies 33 tree species ideally suited to farmland, offering a roadmap for farmers to combine food production with environmental resilience.
The tree species not only thrive in UK agroforestry systems but also bring tangible benefits to farms: from improving soil health and storing carbon to providing livestock shelter and producing marketable timber, fruits, and nuts.
The guide also gives information on grants available to support tree planting and maintenance on agricultural land.
“Farming with trees is a great way for farmers to meet environmental goals without compromising food production,” said Tom Breeze, Senior Research Fellow in Ecological Economics at the University of Reading.
“Drawing on years of research, this guide equips farmers with practical knowledge and tools to get started. Our goal is to make agroforestry more accessible, increase awareness of its benefits, and spark a conversation about how it can transform UK agriculture.”
Top picks for farm-friendly trees
The guide offers detailed profiles of 33 species, with some clear standouts:
· Hornbeam: A long-lasting timber tree, hornbeam is suitable for most farm types and requires minimal maintenance.
· Beech: Another durable option, beech trees thrive on upland farms and can add significant value to timber stocks.
· Walnut and Black Walnut: In addition to yielding nuts, these trees provide shade for livestock and diversify farm income.
· Common and Red Alder: These nitrogen-fixing trees improve soil health and forage grassland.
· Goat Willow: A high-productivity option, goat willow supports biomass production and tannin yields.
Each species profile explains how to match trees with specific farm conditions, helping farmers make informed choices that suit their land and business needs.
Why now?
With climate change becoming an unavoidable challenge, the importance of agroforestry is growing. Trees planted on farmland can sequester carbon, support biodiversity, and protect natural resources like soil and water. They can also bolster farm resilience against unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring long-term productivity.
“Food production and environmental goals are under increasing scrutiny, and the effects of climate change are becoming apparent to us all,” said Richard Stanford, Forestry Commission Chief Executive. “This indispensable guide outlines which tree species are most suited to farmers’ needs and the conditions specific to their land. Agroforestry offers improved productivity from livestock and crops while building resilience to climate change.”
Support for farmers
Financial support is being offered to farmers to adopt agroforestry practices. The government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes offer grants for planting and maintaining trees, including specific funding for in-field agroforestry systems.
Additionally, the Forestry Commission’s England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) provides maintenance payments for up to 15 years, alongside funding for capital costs.
For more details on tree planting grants and the Put Down Roots campaign, visit the Forestry Commission website.
Discover more on British farming:
- Back to the future of farming: How regenerative farming revives traditional wisdom to heal our land
- How to get into farming
- Farming lingo: a glossary of farming terms
Main Image: Jeremy Clarkson at a recent farmers protest march. Getty Images
