TIME TO TALK TREES ON THE FARM

Cumbrian sheep farmer Jim Campbell is a shepherd through and through. Three years into a tenancy at Welton Farm near Carlisle, his focus and passion continue to be towards commercially rearing sheep with some cattle in the mix too. At the same time Jim recognises the changing face of agriculture and the need to embrace schemes to improve the natural environment. He wanted to create a tree planting plan across the farm where he was in control and where the farm production business still stood front and centre. In other words, integrating an environmental scheme in support of the farm business rather than an either/or approach where one of the outputs required might be to reduce sheep production.

Jim began talking to Raise Cumbria Community Forest and quickly discovered that their flexible approach and ‘Trees for Climate’ funding offer would deliver exactly what he wanted to do on the farm. Working in partnership they have created a farm-scale tree plan including hedge replacement as well as woodland creation.

Now in partnership with Raise and the Farmer Network, Jim and his partner Emily Ludwick are to host a “walk and talk” farm open day on Thursday 22^nd May 2025 at Welton Farm, Carlisle, CA5 7ES. Members of the Raise team will be on hand to discuss the opportunities that a Cumbria Community Woodland scheme might offer the commercial farmer.

Jim Campbell says “We are delighted to host this event.  The sheep flock is my passion. This is what drives me; however, we are limited by the size of the farm, and we have to look at ways of bringing stability to our income.  We also recognise that we need to do our bit to address climate change but not at the expense of our ability to produce quality stock.  By working in partnership with Raise I feel we have created a resource that can deliver multiple benefits for our farm business, to nature and the wider natural environment”.

Adam Day, Managing Director of the Farmer Network says “Sadly some tree planting schemes are seen as a threat to farming, especially where good farmland or ancient pastures are re-purposed away from food production. The bespoke planting plan on Jim’s farm is different as it clearly recognises his farming needs and works around that from the start”.

James Cobbold, Director of Raise, invites farmers to speak to him and his team for support to explore approaches to tree planting and woodland creation which will support increased biodiversity and financial sustainability.  He says, “Working in partnership with farmers and farming communities to plant trees and woodlands sustainably is key to the growth of Cumbria Community Forest.  Our funding offer and approach are detailed on our website at www.raisecumbria.co.uk.  Please do come and speak to us, Jim and Emily at Welton Farm to find out more about working with us.”

Details of the farm walk can be found on our events page here.