Case Study: Rectory Farm, North Crawley

Project summary

Rectory Farm is located close to Milton Keynes and is a family-run business. It has been in the Hobbs family since 1953. Originally a mixed dairy and arable farm, it now focusses on rearing British beef short horn cattle and has been developing this element of the farm business since 1989.

There is a significant focus on regenerative agriculture at Rectory Farm and integrating nature into the health and development of livestock to produce a high-quality product.

Project description

In 2023, Peter Hobbs approached the Forest of Marston Vale Trust to design an agroforestry scheme which would involve planting trees in rows and positioning other trees in a more open, random configuration. Agroforestry is the integration of trees into a farming context and can be applied to both livestock (silvopasture) and crops (silvoarable) to achieve excellent results.

Under the Trees for Climate programme, Nick Marsh, Forest Creation Officer developed a silvopasture concept and worked with Peter during 2024 to propose a suitable tree species mix which would be planted in rows with separating ‘alleys’. The system would allow grazing to continue whilst enabling trees to establish.

The species will provide several key attributes including:

• Shade and shelter (main canopy species of oak, hornbeam and walnut)

• Fruit (wild plum, crab apple, wild cherry and wild pear)

• Nuts (hazel and walnut)

• Fodder (willow, alder, hazel) – all three species have beneficial natural medicinal qualities for livestock

• Reducing water run-off and improving drainage through root penetration, and deconsolidation of subsoil

Planting configuration

Each corridor will be strip grazed, initially protected with demountable electric fencing and then slowly released once the trees and shrubs have grown sufficiently.

The scheme was approved and consented through the Environmental Impact Assessment (afforestry) Regulations in October 2024 and planting was completed in December 2024.

Site layout

The second element of the design was to provide more open, natural wood pasture element to other fields to approx 6.5ha, primarily for shade and wildlife, but again to enhance soil structure and composition. As many areas of the farm are open, Peter felt it important to ensure that livestock would be able to remain outside under canopy cover during summer months, ensuring their welfare and protecting them from extremes of temperature and heat.

A design of variable tree planting densities from 30 to 50 stems per hectare was created, focussing on more exposed areas of the farm. Along with the agroforestry system, the canopy trees are protected with 1.8m Cactus guards which are secured with three 10mm reinforcing metal rods. These ensure that livestock avoid browsing the tree leaders whilst flexing with any pressure applied to them. They also allow trees to be replaced with ease.

Species planted include oak, hornbeam, wild cherry and birch.

Agroforestry showing separating alleys

Wood pasture at 50 stems per hectare

Agroforestry showing row planting configuration

Project impact

Enhancing wildlife

Rectory Farm has an established hedgerow network with mature trees that supports wildlife, in particular birdlife, including raptors and owls. Introducing open-grown native trees through agroforestry will boost biodiversity and link habitats across the landscape.

Soil conservation

Adding trees provides real benefits to soil health, soil microbiome and organic matter. This plays a role in nutrient cycling which creates a richer, more diverse plant community within pastures, improving the health of livestock.

Contribution to climate change

Trees within farms provide essential shade and shelter for livestock and enhance agricultural resilience. Tree canopies can mitigate the effects of rainfall, slowing run off and improve water infiltration into the soil.

Farming resilience

Providing diversification through fruit, nut and timber crops whilst supporting livestock health with additional and beneficial fodder.

Build a legacy

The Forest of Marston Vale Trust helps landowners, farmers, schools, and communities enhance land and create green spaces.

A Trees for Climate grant can cover up to 100% of planting costs, with ongoing support and payments for environmental benefits.

Enquire now