Farmers in Cornwall are planting thousands of trees as part of a government-funded project to create more woodlands across the Duchy.

The initiative is supported by Cornwall Council's Forest for Cornwall team through the Woodland Creation Partnership Fund.

Agroforestry, which involves planting trees in conjunction with ongoing farm production, is being implemented in these pilot projects.

Thus far, more than 4,000 trees have been planted in field corners, hedgerows, shelterbelts and orchards, contributing to the overall next winter's target of 32,000 trees.

Apart from helping with each farm's production, the native trees also provide shade, increase biodiversity, and enhance opportunities for nature recovery.

This has been successfully done at four pilot farms: Rosuick Farm on the Lizard Peninsula, Woodland Valley Farm in Ladock, Hametethy Farm near Bodmin and Trenow Fields at Gulval.

The Forest for Cornwall team also organised a recent workshop for farmers to learn about the benefits of agroforestry.

Attended by 60 farmers and landowners as well as representatives from the Forestry Commission and Natural England, the team imparted significant knowledge on the subject.

In addition to the workshop, the team facilitated the planting of over 60 projects this winter.

Falmouth Packet:

For more information, visit the Cornwall Council website via www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/countryside/forest-for-cornwall-programme/forest-for-cornwall-and-landowners-farmers-and-businesses/

Cornwall's cabinet member for environment and climate change, Cllr Martyn Alvey, praised the project.

He said: "Tree-planting at scale by our farmers and landowners on otherwise less productive land is key to creating more woodland which helps to lock up carbon and restore nature.

"As we mark International Day of Forests I want to thank the work of farmers and we look forward to planning for the planting of this year’s projects and supporting more farmers to adopt this highly beneficial planting system."