Tree planting around Perimeter of Fields

ShovelandSpade

Hello, I'm new to boards and I have a query which I hope someone can give guidance

I’m hoping to plant trees around the perimeter of fields on my Farm. The perimeter total of the fields is approx 7100m and I want to plant every 3m which is approx 2300 native Oak and Alder trees. Do you know if there is financial assistance to support this type of planting scheme or any plans in the future? I could be wrong but from what I see of previous GLAS schemes this does not fully meet any of the criteria as GLAS seems to be more aligned for small groves of trees and hedges. I would also like to have the flexibly and freedom to remove trees in the future as needed. E.g for new field entrances, cattle pens etc

 Appreciate your feedback

maestroamado

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058229183/tree-planting-around-perimeter-of-fields

agroforestry

ShovelandSpade

Thanks for the feedback maestromado, I must look into the agroforestry some-more. My first thoughts are that I’m hesitant of implementing an afforestation scheme that may limit my control on how to manage the land and my desire to remove trees in the future if I so wish. I also thought that agroforestry required a higher stocking rate than what I outlined. I need to look into it again. Thanks

Track9

Once you draw down Financial Assistance ( grant ) from Govt Depts, one is no longer in control of the trees .

I have planted off and on many years & prefer to self-fund due to the restrictions.

The upcoming schenes seem to be leaning towards planting small groves of trees.( Native of course , Birch Alder Oak etc )

maestroamado

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118513084#Comment_118513084

Yes it does... likely not suit as lose control... suits me as anyone i allowed use my small piece of good ground left it in bad condition...

Personally i think its a good idea as sheep will live among the trees... native irish trees...Scot pine beech...oak... i also intend to plant quite a number of fruit trees apple plum cherry and whatever....

minerleague

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058229183/tree-planting-around-perimeter-of-fields

Does seem to be option in new CAP eco scheme for tree planting, think its one of a range of 7 and you pick 2 to comply.

Easten

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118512908#Comment_118512908

Agroforestry does not give any grants just planting the perimeters only. You would have to be prepared to plant rows of trees spaced out at a stocking rate of 400 - 1000 trees per hectare (equal spacing) is acceptable and the minimum eligible plot size will be 0.50ha and tree-to-tree width of 20 metres

If finance is an issue you could go with cheaper trees bare root plants such as green beech, rowan, Sycamore, Alder and Hazel.

As an aside Oak leaves are poisonous to cattle.

herdquitter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058229183/tree-planting-around-perimeter-of-fields

Might crowd funding be an option? Let the baying public put their euro where their gob is.

Easten

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118513939#Comment_118513939

Interesting point, isn't there a few schemes about where they give you free trees to plant. So called friends of the earth type stuff where they plant trees for the paying public but are always looking for places to plant

herdquitter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118514032#Comment_118514032

Trees on the land or something isn't it. I'd personally stay away from "schemes", mostly others wanting to control something for a pittance. That's why I'd do it out of pocket bit by bit or do something like crowd funding.

ShovelandSpade

Hi All, Thanks for the feedback, appreciated. I’ll look into the new CAP Eco scheme, are the details released yet? At the moment it seems the most likely option seems to be self-financing one field at a time. Crowd funding for some reason does not appeal to me. Thanks. 

Birdnuts

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118513924#Comment_118513924

Oak leaves have alot of tannins and quickly develop a tough waxy coat which makes them unpalatable for cattle anyways. In any case a young tree won't survive very long it its not properly protected from livestock

YellowRattle

I planted around the perimeter with close to a 1000 trees. Self financed. Oak,Alder, Bitch,Scots pine, crab apple, wild cherry, quaking aspen, rowan.

The largest outlay is tree shelters and stakes. Sheep and deer would knock the odd one but I would be wary of having cattle around them unless the trees are fenced.

Do some birch groves and the odd oak/Scot’s pine feature trees in the middle of some fields.

maestroamado

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118514032#Comment_118514032

If you have any info on the people looking for places to plant trees i be interested... i am more interested in their ideas than the free trees as they likely have good ideas... i am happy to buy the trees but welcome any info...

wrangler

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118513939#Comment_118513939

Everyone wants change but no one wants TO change

herdquitter

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118516292#Comment_118516292

Sure, but wouldn't it be good publicity whether it succeeded or failed.