Trees for Farms: Demonstration Farms Fund

Real farms, practical learning, trusted experience. Western Forest will support a small number of farms to showcase how trees can benefit farming businesses. Through events, case studies, digital content, monitoring and farmer-to-farmer learning, they will share practical experience and trusted evidence from working farms. Connected through a regional network, these farms will inspire confidence, support the Better Off With Trees offer, and help accelerate the adoption of agroforestry across the Western Forest.

The Western Forest are offering up to £2,000 to owners of suitable farms to help promote the Trees for Farms offer to other landowners. You will be asked to host events, gather evaluation data and take part in a case study.

• The grant access is straightforward, and you’re being paid for your time and expertise
• Networking opportunities, including peer-to-peer learning and connections with farmers, advisers and delivery partners across the Western Forest.
• You will be recognised as part of the Western Forest demonstration farm network, contributing to a landscape-scale initiative connecting farms, communities and woodlands across the region.
• You will receive an expert review of your agroforestry system, and access to the Better Off With Trees advice and grant offer where required
• Your case study will be featured on the Western Forest website and social media channels, acting as an advertising opportunity for farm products

Participating farms will showcase a range of agroforestry systems, stages of maturity and farming sectors. Visitors will be able to see how agroforestry has been integrated into working farm businesses, discuss practical considerations (ie: machinery access, livestock management, species choice, costs, grants and management) and understand the benefits of integrating trees into their operations as well as the practical challenges.

• Have an existing agroforestry system with existing or projected benefits to the farm core business
• Commercial credibility and willingness to share high level financial data to evidence the impact of trees on farm business
• Be able to commit to host at least 2 farm walks, visits or events per year (from 2027/28 – one event for 2026/27 onboarding) plus farm access and introduction for videographer and photographer session.
• Provide information for at least one interpretation sign
• Be willing to provide one interview to showcase farm
• Have practical hosting capacity to provide shelter for groups of up to 230
• Have active engagement in farmer networks, cluster or groups

Please email Western Forest’s Agroforestry Lead, Claire Byers at info@westernforest.org.uk to register interest on behalf of your farm.