Alley planting, Shelterbelts and In-field Trees

Alley Planting

• Tree alleys create sheltered grazing blocks that can keep the soil warmer in the colder seasons and extend grazing and cropping by up to 17 weeks.
• Sheltered microclimates mean resources are more efficiently used during cold and wet weather events.
• Standard trees offer long-term shade/shelter and timber, whilst browsable rows of e.g. goat willow, hazel, rowan, aspen and alder offer fodder and wind shelter.
• Design of the alley should ideally be north-south but designs can be adapted to achieve the goals of your farm.

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Shelterbelts

• Shelterbelts can protect livestock from weather extremes, improving animal welfare.
• The microclimate created by the shelterbelt can extend up to 20 times the height of the tall trees.
• Shelterbelts can reduce surface water run-off, reduce soil erosion, capture ammonia emissions, provide wood products, browse for livestock and support biodiversity.
• Optimised shelterbelts are one example of how to approach shelterbelt planting.
  • Position larger trees in centres of shelterbelts to allow space around edges for shrubs and grass.
  • Dense shrubby plants and grasses maximise wind protection and biodiversity.
  • To maximise shade benefits, plant large trees close to eastern and southern edges, and shrubs on northern and western edges.

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In-field Trees

• Wood pasture can increase carbon sequestration, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil drainage.
• In-field trees can extend the grazing season and facilitate over-wintering of livestock.
• Trees spacings depend on farm goals and objectives. Planting densities range from 25 single trees/hectare (ha) in the open, to clusters of trees of up to 200 trees/ha.
• Select tree species according to the local environment, but also consider resilience to climate change.
• Protect from browsing/rubbing when young with cactus guards, or post and rail enclosures.

Access In-field Trees’ here