Agroforestry planting on a mob-grazed field in East Sussex

This agroforestry partnership in East Sussex involves planting of native, broadleaf trees and shrubs within a sloping field of 6ha, which is mob-grazed by an organic beef herd.

With the dedication of an industrious and collegiate group of volunteers, silvopastoral tree planting was completed in mid-January 2023. Planting enhanced existing tree lines (planted in 2020), helping to establish vibrant, infield hedgerows. In addition, 10 large clusters of native, broadleaf tree species (including oak, small-leaved lime, rowan, hornbeam, hazel, hawthorn), were integrated into the hedgerows. The planting of each tree cluster (30 trees each) is designed to allow cattle access (when trees are mature enough), and to enable mob-grazing and hay cutting to continue.

While mob-grazing improves grassland productivity, biodiversity and soil health, the tree planting will provide shelter for the cattle from rain, wind and heat, will create more wildlife space, increasing biodiversity, will improve infiltration into the soil thereby reducing run-off, and will contribute to reducing atmospheric carbon.