Resource: United Kingdom

Organic vegetable farmer Andy Dibben puts forward the case for allowing complex insect ecosystems to develop or be proactively encouraged on farms, describing ways in which this can be done, drawing on his own extensive knowledge and emphasising the many benefits that can be had.

Recording of a Groundswell 2022 discussion organised by Agricology exploring water resilience; why it’s important to consider it on the farm, how it can be increased and how we can work together to create change and look after our water resources.

Practice abstract created as part of the DiverIMPACTS project outlining some of the many advantages to more complex mixtures of leguminous leys and some of the challenges and key practical considerations.

Summary highlighting outcomes of Tom Staton’s PhD thesis ‘Evaluating the effects of agroforestry versus arable systems on functional biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.’

This webinar (part of the 2021 Northern Real Farming Conference and hosted by the Soil Association) explores growing a low growing permanent cover crop such as small white clover to help shade out weeds and provide fertility for the rotation.

Whatever your farming system and approach, there are many ways to reduce GhG emissions and capture carbon. Actions outlined in this NFFN report should help give some clarity on the practical steps you can take.

Practical, easy-to-use guidance to help farmers reduce their greenhouse gas footprint. Offering actions for all UK agricultural sectors, it aims to be both environmentally and economically beneficial. Written by farmers, for farmers.

Recording of a workshop hosted by the Organic Research Centre online that set out to explore how agroforestry could contribute towards the conservation and restoration of biodiversity, and the policy options that could support the realisation of these benefits.

Video footage of a session that formed part of the Organic Growers Alliance’s Organic Matters conference held in October 2021. It focuses on improving soil health and reducing tillage using compost, manures and woodchip.

Document created as part of an agroforestry case study of Three Hagges Woodmeadow – exploring the practicalities and benefits of combining woodland and meadows.

Organic Research Centre Research Digest focusing on ways of increasing the sustainability of organic low-input dairy systems and benefits that can be attained.

A series of Pasture-Fed Livestock Association (PFLA) case studies which focus on various ways in which farmers are increasing biodiversity on their farm.

Can planting trees on your hen range boost biodiversity as well as benefit your business?

A policy brief summarising results and recommendations from a review undertaken as part of the Defra-funded Agroforestry ELM Test project.

Factsheet based on research undertaken as part of the LIVESEED project detailing an experiment in which wheat varieties were tested by organic farmers at a commercial field scale and includes findings that can feed into weed management strategies.

Report on studies carried out within an organic silvoarable alley cropping system in the UK (Wakelyns Agroforestry in Suffolk) where researchers have investigated the impact of trees on crops in adjacent alleys.

Details of planting designs for 3 contrasting farms in Devon who are taking part in a long-term field lab trial to help justify financial commitment to turn pasture over to silvopasture.

Footage of four webinars exploring issues surrounding herbal leys; a collaboration between the AHDB and British Grassland Society.

This film, created by the Soil Association through the FABulous Farmers project, explores some of the many benefits that can be experienced from different agroforestry systems.

A panel of industry experts discuss solutions to the practical challenges in the growing, harvesting and processing of mixed crops.

John Pawsey gives some insights into the principles of how he achieves health on his mixed organic farm in East Anglia, following his participation in the Farm System Health Project.

Interesting results from a 5-year reduced cultivation trial that took place at the Salle Park Estate, Norfolk, to assess the impact of contrasting tillage regimes on the biological, chemical and physical condition of soils.

An update from research undertaken as part of the Demonstration Test Catchments research platform established to investigate the extent by which on-farm mitigation measures can cost-effectively reduce the impact of diffuse water pollution on river ecology whilst maintaining food production capacity. This one details research undertaken at the River Wensum catchment, in Norfolk.

This briefing examines the role of silvopastoral agroforestry in providing livestock with nutrients via tree browse, alongside the many other benefits of trees.