Pockets of trees to create richly biodiverse farmland

Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Forestry aim to expand on a successful tree-planting project that helped farmers turn pockets of underutilised land into rich, biodiverse habitats that safeguard against the impacts of climate change. 

The pilot project planted more than 4,000 trees in Buchan on sites along the River Ugie, with six local farmers and five project partners working in collaboration. 

Many farmers have small areas of land that could be used to improve the natural environment and recover tree numbers lost due to storms and disease. 

With support from a range of partners, the pilot project helped farmers plant along the edges of fields or rivers and on wetter ground which would not have been possible otherwise. 

Once planted and grown, trees enhance biodiversity, provide shade and shelter for people and animals, while also being habitats for pollinating insects that improve the yield and quality of many crops. 

Trees create rich habitats for wildlife, plants, fungi, mosses, and lichens. They can stabilise riverbanks, reduce the effects of flooding, and provide nutrients in the form of fallen leaves for river-life. 

The rise in water temperatures across Scotland is also expected to negatively affect freshwater fish such as salmon in our rivers. When broadleaf trees are planted alongside rivers or burns, enough shade can be created to help prevent water temperatures from rising. 

Councillor Alan Turner, Chair of the council’s Infrastructure Services Committee (ISC), said: “This project would not have been possible without the support of the partners and landowners. All their contributions are greatly appreciated. With some landowners already interested in extending planting on their land, I hope to see this scheme continued so that its benefits can spread across Aberdeenshire.” 

Steven Hutcheon, Scottish Forestry Conservator for Grampian, said: “This has been a very positive pilot project and one that has brought together a range of partners who are all keen to see trees boost our environment.  

“Farmers are keen to see their businesses contribute towards local biodiversity and integrating trees into their farmland can be a great way to do this." 

Scottish Woodlands generously supplied the 4,000+ trees for the project, all native species of local origin—sourced from Alba Trees and Cheviot Trees.  

Tree protection measures were financed through contributions from Woodland Trust, Scottish Wildlife Trust, and Aberdeenshire Council. 

Aberdeenshire Council provided project administration, including financial oversight, and arranged for purchase and delivery of materials. 

Scottish Forestry provided bespoke woodland advice, visiting each site, discussing options for tree planting and—in collaboration with the landowner—designed suitable schemes.  

The next steps are to identify more project partners and source suitable funding to allow the project to be run for two years under the name Aberdeenshire Sma’ Wids Scheme.