This project drives positive diversification of a family farm through broadleaf woodland creation, located in Buckinghamshire, England. The farmer’s objectives are to diversify the business through incorporating woodlands onto the family run farm, opening up opportunities for a flexible farm business which, long-term, will provide a space for the local community for recreation alongside the mental and physical health benefits associated with woodlands.

The land is owned by a farmer, who has dedicated 22 hectares of his 1,200 acre family farm for woodland creation, regulated by the Woodland Carbon Code. The Code estimates the woodland will capture 6,800 tonnes of carbon over the next 100 years and the farmer is looking to sell 100% of the carbon credits which have been issued to the woodland.

More than 46,000 trees were planted across three compartments on the farm. Tilhill and the farmer chose a diverse mix of native broadleaved species for the biodiversity and wildlife habitat benefits. The planting scheme meets the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS), the reference for sustainable forest management across the UK.

The site features two ponds in which native trees have been planted along the water course to provide shading to keep the water cool in the summer and prevent flooding during heavy rainfall, whilst providing a food source and habitat to water loving wildlife. Trees can also filter pollutants through their root system, improving water quality.