A NEW publication which summarises the economic and environmental benefits trees can provide to farmers and crofters has been published by the Integrating Trees Network.

‘Why Trees?’ aims to gives simple advice to those considering whether integrating trees into their farm or croft business is right for them.

The Scottish Government is keen to encourage more farmers and crofters to gain the benefits of growing trees. Around half of all new woodland creation applications submitted to Scottish Forestry are for small-scale projects, mainly from farmers and crofters.

Welcoming the new factsheet, rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “This new publication aims to pull together all the key benefits, including the economic and environmental advantages, that trees can provide for farmers and crofters into one easy-reading document.

“It’s a great place to start if you are thinking about growing trees for the first time and need a few pointers to help decide if integrating trees into your farm or croft is going to benefit the business.”

The document can be downloaded from www.farmingforabetterclimate.org.