Chris’ story: A wildlife corridor to support farm biodiversity
27th March 2023
A Scottish farmer with a passion for nature has created a 100-acre wildlife corridor by transforming his land with new, native broadleaf trees through The Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme. Increasing farm biodiversity was core to Chris’ project goals.
Chris Addison-Scott recently received subsidised trees through The Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme to support the transformation of a parcel of arable land on his Fife estate. Funded by Lloyds Bank, the scheme has already helped over 3,000 landowners with their planting projects.
When speaking about balancing the needs of a productive farming business with his nature-based goals, Chris explained the minimal impact the planting scheme has had on the productive farmland. Clever woodland design means his 1,000 new trees will have a significant impact for nature without taking up too much space.
“Several years ago we had sown an area of canary grass and it so happened that this area connected a large piece of woodland on a couple of neighbouring estates.” explained Chris. “By planting more trees it has created a perfect wildlife corridor, linking perhaps over 100 acres of diversified cover.”
Wildlife corridors are important as they bridge the gap between habitats which otherwise would be small and isolated and joins them together. Linking core wildlife habitats helps to restore and preserve biodiversity, allowing movement between important habitats to maintain genetic diversity in wildlife populations.
Emma Briggs, who manages the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme, said: “It’s inspiring to see what Chris has done on his farm. These trees will be essential for so many reasons – not least for boosting biodiversity and combating climate change. Our MOREwoods scheme is an easy, effective and low-cost way for landowners to bring more nature to their land.”
Chris’ family has been farming on the Kinloss Estate for generations – since his great-grandfather bought the farm in 1887. In those days it was mainly down to grass but his father started to actively farm in the mid-1960s, something that Chris has continued. The business has now evolved into a mixed farm growing cereals and broccoli, with additional parcels let out land for grazing.
Most of the farm is now tended by contractors as opposed to direct employees, as Chris’s day-job as a Land Agent for Galbraith takes up much of his time. However, he and his wife Margo, have also diversified into other ventures, letting out holiday cottages on the site. The farm is blessed with wildlife features as the couple had already created water habitats and hedgerows. There is a burn – or stream – which runs through the farm and an old mill pond which was restored in the 1990s.
The Addison-Scott’s have continued their passion for championing the countryside by hosting the Fife Show, which they began around 15 years ago. The event connects locals, attracting about 10,000 visitors on show day in May, as well as showcasing their land.
Chis has placed strong importance on ensuring a high survival rate of his new trees. To protect the saplings from predators, tree guards have been incorporated into the scheme, but Chris has gone one step further to protect his new crop, adding: “We’re able to inspect the site at least once a fortnight to carry out any repairs to the tubes. So far after one growing season the new trees are doing really well, with perhaps less than 5 per cent losses.”
Chris first heard about MOREwoods through his advisor at Lloyds Bank, who fund the scheme. Liking the low levels of bureaucracy often associated with other woodland schemes, he decided to pursue a project. “It really has worked for us,” he added. “I would definitely recommend it as a way to increase nature on your land.”
How can I benefit?
If, like Chris, you’re looking to boost biodiversity on your land, The Woodland Trust can provide the advice and support you need to plant with confidence. Their flagship schemes, MOREwoods and MOREhedges, have already helped UK landowners to plant over 3,500 hectares of new native woodland and 500km of hedgerow. Find out how you can benefit.
MOREwoods
The MOREwoods scheme is ideal for anyone planting over half a hectare of woodland. Whether you want to plant a shelterbelt or harvest your own woodfuel, the Trust can provide tailored advice and support, including:
- A dedicated project officer who’ll guide your application from start to finish.
- Help to design your woodland and select the best species mix.
- Delivery of your trees and plant protection to suit you.
- Up to 75% subsidy if you plant yourself, or 60% if you would like a contractor to plant the trees.
MOREhedges
Alternatively, if you are looking to plant over 100m of hedgerow, the MOREhedges scheme provides:
- A standard hedgerow mix of native shrub species.
- Your choice of species of full height trees, to be interspersed in the row.
- Appropriate protection, including spirals, canes, tubes and stakes.
- Funding of up to 75% of the cost of the project.
Apply now to receive your trees this planting season.
MOREwoods and MOREhedges are funded by Lloyds Bank to support sustainable farming.
