Grazing sheep on the edge of a heritage apple orchard, where they can also use the trees for shelter

In our previous article, we introduced agroforestry as a sustainable and practical approach to farming that integrates trees with crops or livestock. One of the most promising types of agroforestry for UK farmers is silvopastoral systems, which combine trees and livestock grazing on the same land. In this follow-up article, we’ll dive deeper into what silvopastoral systems are, how they are designed, and the key benefits they offer to both farmers and the environment.

What is a Silvopastoral System?

A silvopastoral system integrates trees with pastureland where livestock graze. The trees are strategically planted to provide shade, shelter, and additional forage for the animals, while also producing timber, fruits, or nuts. This system mimics natural ecosystems where trees, shrubs, and grazing animals coexist, and it offers both ecological and economic advantages.

In the UK, common examples include grazing sheep or cattle in orchards or on land with scattered trees, such as wood pastures. This can also involve planting trees in newly established pastures, either in rows, blocks, or scattered configurations.

Designing a Silvopastoral System

The design of a silvopastoral system depends on several factors, including the type of livestock, the land’s characteristics, and the intended purpose of the trees (e.g., timber, forage, or environmental benefits). Here’s a basic guide to designing an effective silvopastoral system:

Tree Species Selection: Choose tree species that are compatible with livestock and offer additional benefits, such as shade, forage, or timber. Species like oak, alder, poplar, and willow are popular for UK silvopasture because they provide high-quality timber and are good for shade and animal welfare. Some trees, like alder and willow, can also be used for supplementary forage.
Tree Layout: Trees can be planted in rows (known as alley cropping), in blocks, or scattered throughout the pasture. The layout should allow adequate space for machinery and livestock movement. For example, trees planted in wide rows allow animals to graze in the alleyways and create a balanced distribution of shade and shelter.
Grazing Management: Effective grazing management is key to maintaining both tree and pasture health. Rotational grazing is often used in silvopastoral systems to ensure that livestock do not overgraze or damage young trees. Livestock may need to be excluded from certain areas while trees are young or fragile, using fences or tree guards.
Tree Protection: Protecting young trees from livestock is critical to ensuring their survival. Mesh guards or electric fencing can be used to prevent animals from rubbing against or eating the trees. As trees mature, they become more resistant to livestock damage, and protective measures can be reduced.
Forage Benefits: Some tree species, such as willow and poplar, can provide supplementary fodder for livestock, especially during dry periods when grass growth is limited. The leaves, bark, and even branches of these trees can be a valuable feed source, particularly for sheep and cattle.

Benefits of Silvopastoral Systems

Animal Welfare: Trees provide essential shelter from the sun, wind, and rain, helping to reduce heat stress in livestock. This improves animal welfare and can increase productivity through better growth rates and higher milk yields.
Improved Land Productivity: Silvopastoral systems make more efficient use of land by producing both livestock products and tree products (timber, wood fuel, or fruits) on the same parcel of land. Studies show that farms using silvopastoral systems can achieve higher overall yields than monoculture systems.
Environmental Benefits: Trees in silvopastoral systems help to sequester carbon, reduce soil erosion, and improve water retention. Tree roots stabilise the soil and reduce runoff, preventing flooding and nutrient loss, while also enhancing biodiversity by providing habitats for birds and beneficial insects.
Diversified Income: In addition to livestock products, silvopastoral systems offer income from timber, wood fuel, or fruits and nuts. This diversification can make a farm more resilient to market fluctuations or climate extremes.
Long-Term Sustainability: Silvopastoral systems improve soil health over time by adding organic matter from leaf fall and reducing the need for artificial fertilisers. They also promote natural grazing behaviours in livestock, which can reduce the incidence of diseases like foot rot.

Silvopastoral Systems in the UK

In the UK, traditional wood pastures—such as those in Epping Forest or the parklands of historic estates—are examples of long-established silvopastoral systems. More recently, farmers across the country are experimenting with innovative designs, planting trees in pastureland to achieve both environmental and economic goals.

For example, apple orchards grazed by sheep provide the dual benefit of fruit production and pasture management. Sheep help keep the grass down while benefiting from the shade and shelter provided by the trees. This system is particularly popular in cider-producing regions of the UK.

Fenced tree guards for more mature trees can protect them from any damage from grazing sheep or deer

Getting Started

If you’re a UK farmer considering silvopastoral systems, the first step is to assess your land and decide which type of trees would work best with your livestock. You’ll also want to consider available grants and funding, as government incentives increasingly support agroforestry as part of the UK's environmental land management schemes.

Remember, starting small is often the best approach. Try integrating trees into a small area of pasture first, monitor the results, and then expand as you become more comfortable with managing both livestock and trees.

Conclusion

Silvopastoral systems offer a practical, sustainable way to improve both the productivity and environmental performance of UK farms. By integrating trees into your livestock operations, you can enhance animal welfare, diversify your income, and help build a more resilient farming system. In the next article, we will explore silvoarable systems, another agroforestry practice that combines trees with crops, and how they can transform arable farming in the UK.

Stay tuned for more insights on how trees can help your farm thrive!

Exploring Silvopastoral Systems: Introducing Trees with Grazing Livestock in the UK