A joint report for the Soil Association and Woodland Trust Scotland has called for the introduction of single up-front payments to help farmers and crofters integrate more trees on their land.

The report was launched at the Royal Highland Show at an event attended by Mairi Gougeon MSP, the cabinet secretary for rural affairs, land reform and islands.

This report makes recommendations about the ways that trees can be carefully integrated into farming and crofting systems in Scotland, and the nature and level of payments that would be required to unlock this potential. The focus is on small-scale opportunities for tree planting outside the scope of the current Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) agroforestry options.

Trees on farms offer numerous advantages to farmers and crofters, society, and the environment.

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The proposals were developed after an online workshop and separate interviews with farmers and land managers.

Six tree planting systems were identified that would integrate well with Scottish farming practices and provide significant benefits to farmers and crofters, wider society, and the environment:

Director of Woodland Trust Scotland, Alastair Seaman, said: “When integrated carefully, native trees and hedges complement existing farming practices. The planting options we are outlining today will provide a wide range of biodiversity and landscape benefits, as well as helping farms and crofts become more resilient to climate change. They are designed to fill gaps in support already available. These options should be made accessible to as many land managers as possible through a simple process. We hope that the Scottish Government will give this report detailed consideration as they develop the new farm payments system.”

Co-director of Soil Association Scotland, David McKay, said “Native trees and hedges deliver essential ecosystem services, such as improving soil health and condition, reducing pollutants in watercourses, improving water management, absorbing atmospheric carbon, and providing vital habitats for wildlife. Trees help regulate growing conditions, benefiting crops and livestock by offering shelter from heat, wind and rain, stabilising soil temperature, reducing soil erosion, and enhancing soil fertility. They can also produce valuable materials for farm use or sale, including timber, fruit, firewood, and fodder.”