CAFRE to host agroforestry Environmental Farming Scheme Webinar

The latest tranche of the Environmental Framing Scheme (EFS) is now open for applications and included amongst the latest funding stream is agroforestry – or put simply ‘farming with trees’.

Christine Kennedy beside the newly planted area of agroforestry on land owned by her and her husband James at Donaghadee.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) will host their second agroforestry webinar at 7pm on Tuesday, September 8.  Attendees will hear about the EFS specifications and experiences of those who have established agroforestry and how it can help to address climate change, soil management, contribute to biodiversity and air quality.

Nicola Warden, a technologist at CAFRE said: “James and Christine Kennedy have established 1.4 hectares of EFS agroforestry on their beef and suckler farm outside Donaghadee, Co. Down and recently told me about their experiences of establishing this option.

“Christine related that they picked a field that was the wettest area of the farm to see what impact the trees would have on drying the area and extending its use. The Kennedy’s then planted a mixture of species including crab apple, oak, rowan, birch, cherry and alder.

“The couple found the planting to be relatively quick with a team of helpers but have been surprised that regular maintenance is required. James Kennedy said, ‘it is not a matter of planting and forgetting about the trees, the upkeep takes time.”

Nicola Warden continued: “Despite the maintenance time required both James and Christine admitted that during lockdown and now they enjoy maintaining the trees and the area. They are both pleased with the area of agroforestry and are happy to be able to play a role in improving the environment.”

In the agroforestry webinar to be held at 7pm on Tuesday,  September 8 participants will also hear from CAFRE technologists about the EFS specification, the funding and timing of the scheme, how to make or amend a claim and their own experience of planting agroforestry at Greenmount. During the webinar participants will also hear about the experiences of another farming family who planted agroforestry in a previous EFS tranche.

To get more detail on how to watch the webinars, please visit the News & Events section of the CAFRE website. The News and Events section can be found along the very top bar of the CAFRE home page.

During each webinar there will be the opportunity to ask questions to the panel or if you wish to send questions in advance of the webinar please email them to nicola.warden@daera-ni.gov.uk.

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