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Organic silvo-arable agroforestry on Whitehall Farm

United Kingdom Whitehall Farm

Silvo-arable agroforestry, the practice of planting trees between crops, has been largely successful on the 125 hectare Whitehall Farm, reportedly reducing soil erosion and increasing agro-biodiversity. Agro-ecology principles have also been embraced to attract wildlife including pollinators and pest predators.

Nature-based Intervention:

In 2009, Stephen and Lynn Briggs started planting rows of apple trees 27 metres apart, leaving enough space for farm machinery to cultivate cereals in the alleys between them. The apple trees are intended to provide several benefits to the farming system including improved soil quality and greater resilience through crop diversity. Furthermore, the direction of the planted tree rows allows for optimised sun exposure during the day for all crops, extending harvesting possibilities throughout the year. Agro-ecology principles were also adopted throughout the farm including leaving 15% of the area as habitat for pollinators and pest predators. Wildflower strips beneath trees attract pollinators and grassy flower-rich buffers around the fields protect the soil from being washed into watercourses. Ditches dug are deliberately left unkempt to provide habitat for wildlife. Seed mix strips are sown to feed farmland birds.

Overview of context and outcomes:

Soils at Whitehall Farm are particularly susceptible to wind erosion, a challenge that was exacerbated by the destabilised quality of the soil prior to the introduction of agroforestry principles. The tenants managed to secure a 15 year tenancy as opposed to the traditional 3-4 year tenancy to allow significant time for their agroforestry investments and efforts on the 125 hectare plot to succeed.

Case effectiveness on

Climate change

Mitigation: Not reported
Adaptation: Positive

Diversified crop production and tree cover has reportedly reduced soil erosion and helped protect the farm from extreme weather risks. The sale of apples and apple juice and a recently opened farm shop have served to diversify the farm’s income stream, an important buffer should the principal cereal crop be affected by adverse weather.

Ecosystem health

Ecological effect: Positive

Agro-ecology techniques have been reported to increase some measures of biodiversity on the farm. For example, anecdotal evidence indicates higher numbers of reed buntings, little owls, and barn owls as a result of the interventions

Socioeconomic outcomes

A farm shop and café have created additional income sources for the farm owners. The farm is also used as a demonstration and education site, to encourage others to adopt agroforestry methods and teach interested visitors about sustainable agroforestry.

Governance

Local participation in Governance: No

This project is governed by the farm owners with collaboration from the landowners allowing for extended leases to develop the agroforestry farming approach.

Finance

Financing for the project was provided by the farmers implementing the agroforestry scheme on the basis of future income generation.

Monitoring and evaluation

A baseline botanical and bird survey was conducted on the property before the implementation of the intervention. Since then continued monitoring has occurred through the RSPB with a particular focus on farmland birds.

Trade-offs and limitations

The land-tenure system associated with farming in the United Kingdom disincentivizes the implementation of long-term agricultural projects such as agroforestry. While the farm has secured a 15-year lease, longer term leases would allow for the farmers involved to plan with more stability.

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Close up shot of maize amongst other plants
Photo © Maurício Uchôa Bruttos

Intervention type

  • Food production

Ecosystem type

  • Terrestrial production

Climate change impacts addressed

  • Loss of food production
  • Soil erosion

Instigators

  • Local private sector

Societal challenges

  • Biodiversity conservation
  • Climate change adaptation
  • Economic and Social development
  • Food security

Outcomes

  • Food security: Positive
  • Water security: Not reported
  • Health: Not reported
  • Local economics: Positive
  • Livelihoods/goods/basic needs: Positive
  • Energy security: Not reported
  • Disaster risk reduction: Not reported
  • Rights/empowerment/equality: Not reported
  • Recreation: Positive
  • Education: Positive
  • Conflict and security: Positive
  • No. developmental outcomes reported: 6

Resources

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Literature info

  • Grey literature
Case methodology not reported