Breakfast Reception And Panel Discussion 'Why Grow Trees?', with the Integrating Trees Network At The Royal Highland Show

Header photo: Credited to Jayne Adamson

Date:   Friday 23 June 2023 at 9:30am – 11:30am

Venue: SLE Marquee on Avenue 4th at Royal Highland Show

Expert Panel Discussion: Why Grow Trees?

Join us at our Marquee on Avenue 4th at the Royal Highland Show from 9:30am on Friday 23 June for breakfast and an opportunity to put your questions to a panel including representatives from Scottish Forestry and farmers who are part of the Integrated Trees Network who have successfully integrated trees into their farming businesses. This event is open to all - you don't need to be an existing SLE member to attend.

As we move towards a new agricultural support system, integrated land use is looking to be ever more important. It is likely that support will be conditional on not only producing food, but also delivering benefits for biodiversity and climate.

This panel discussion, titled 'Why grow trees?,' will provide those in attendance with the opportunity to hear expert voices from Scottish Forestry on the multiple benefits of integrating trees into your farming system, as well as from farmers who have already implemented changes and learnt from them. The farmers on the panel have each planted trees for a number of different reasons, including shelter belts to increase productivity, to improve local biodiversity, and to benefit future timber sales.

The Integrating Trees Network is always looking for new topics to discuss at its events, and would love for you to come along and share your thoughts on what would help you take the decision to plant trees on your farm. As a farmer-led network, your input is vital to The Integrating Trees Network's success.  

Following the panel discussion, the participants will be available to speak to attendees, providing you with the opportunity to chat with Scottish Forestry staff and Integrating Trees Network host farmers.

We have a great line up of speakers including Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Sectary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands.

Agenda

09:30   Welcome & Introduction - Stephen Young, Director of Policy, Scottish Land & Estates

09:35   Address from Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

09:45   Introduction to our panelists:

Brendan Callaghan	Head of Operational Delivery, Scottish Forestry  Brendan is Head of Operational Delivery with Scottish Forestry, responsible for forestry regulation and the Forestry Grant Scheme in Scotland. He also  oversees the work of the 5 conservancies and leads on delivery of Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan tree planting target. Brendan has a strong track record of working with industry and  environmental stakeholders to develop and lead forestry and environmental initiatives. Prior to this Brendan held a range of roles, including most recently as Interim CEO whilst setting up  Environmental Standards Scotland and previously within the Forestry Commission, as  Area Director for South West England and Conservator for North East England. He also owns and actively manages a woodland in the Scottish Borders, and has a degree in Forestry and Ecological Science from Edinburgh University.
Integrating Trees Network Host Farmers:
Andrew Barbour	Mains of Fincastle, Pitlochry
Andrew Whiteford	Burnfoot Farm, Sanquhar
SLE Member:
Alec Telfer	Broadmeadows, Selkirk

09:50   Questions to the panel

10:20   Closing remarks, and thanks to the panel - Lyn White, Scottish Forestry

10:20 - 11:30   Informal networking with panelists and speakers.

Come along, ask our expert panel your questions, and enjoy breakfast before you head off for a busy day at Royal Highland Show!

If you intend on joining us, please let us know by booking your place via our website. This event is open to all - you don't need to be an existing SLE member to attend.

We look forward to seeing you at this event, and throughout the show!