Groundswell 2025 is nearly here (2-3 July) and Organic Research Centre is proud to sponsor the return of the Agroforestry Tent in the Pasture Field as part of a year-round dedicated programme to supporting agroforestry adoption.
Individual 1-2-1 guidance clinics are available to book now with professional advisors from the Agroforestry Tent sponsors over both days to offer tailored advice on a range of topics, from basic planning to more in-depth management strategies. These clinics can also signpost to research and resources available.
You can also sign up to take part in engaging Farm Walks/Safaris to offer guided tours of established systems to gain firsthand knowledge of agroforestry techniques from seasoned professionals.
Please do come along and say hello as ORC staff members Will Simonson, Christian Gossel, Lindsay Whistance and Philippa Hall will be on our stand over the two days.
The programme will kick off with the fundamental question: “Why choose trees?” This session explores the advantages of agroforestry, including improved soil health, biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and diversified income streams. Following this, “Tree species selection” provided crucial guidance on choosing the right trees for specific farm contexts, a vital step for successful agroforestry implementation.
There are dedicated slots to “To view Research Posters” over both days the day, offering a valuable opportunity to explore a wider range of research and case studies in a self-paced format.
Practical applications are a strong theme this year, with a session on “Shelterbelts – opportunity for land resilience and productivity.” This highlights how strategic tree plantings can protect crops and livestock, reduce erosion, and create more favourable microclimates.
Strategic, whole-farm planning is addressed in “Exploring the value of the farm treescape through whole farm tree planning.” Discover the results of an innovative project on whole farm tree planning. This initiative developed and piloted a farm treescape functional assessment to measure how effectively a farm’s treescape supports its business goals.
A portion of the programme is focused on the synergistic relationship between livestock and trees. “Taking the Golden hoof one step further – sheep, trees and arable” delves into silvopastoral systems, demonstrating how sheep can be integrated with trees in arable landscapes for mutual benefit. Expanding on this Lindsay Whistance and Clive Thomas will discuss “Feeding Trees to Livestock: the benefits and practicalities” exploring the nutritional and health advantages of incorporating tree fodder into livestock diets, alongside practical advice for implementation.
The critical role of water management was highlighted in “Improving farm resilience through water management“ These discussions will explore how trees can contribute to improved water infiltration, reduced runoff, and enhanced water availability in agricultural landscapes.
For those interested in high-value specialty crops, “The viability of walnuts and hazelnuts as commodity crops” join arable farmer Martin Lines and researcher Paul Burgess. Martin will share his Cambridgeshire farm’s resilience strategies, focusing on crop rotation and soil management. Paul will discuss the benefits of on-farm trees, specifically the hydraulic lift of water by tree roots.
Finally, the confirmed session on “A focus on mycorrhiza for effective tree establishment on farms and for the added crop/grass benefits between the trees” This session features two pioneering companies at the forefront of this natural approach. Discover how they’re introducing woodland soil biology into farmland, utilizing fungi and natural nutrient sources to enhance both tree establishment and crop growth. This is a vital discussion for anyone interested in sustainable and natural agricultural practices.
The evening will offer a more relaxed yet insightful atmosphere with the “Evening Reception/Drinks – Confessions of an Agroforester” led by Ben Raskin is an informal unrecorded session offers a safe space to candidly share experience , issues and lessons learned. So please feel free to come along, take part and have a drink afterwards on us!!
