30-06-2025
Farming family to host free event at Hillhead Farm
East Dunbartonshire's Imrie family, featured on the BBC's This Farming Life, is teaming up with Scottish Forestry for the event at Hillhead Farm.
Through the event, the family aims to showcase how tree planting has benefitted their business.
Read more: What is the law on cutting trees down in your garden? How to avoid hefty fines
Imries Planting site at Hillhead Farm (Image: Perthshire Picture Agency) Aimed at farmers and land managers, the event will be held on Tuesday, July 15, between 1pm and 4pm.
It is set to offer attendees a look into the Imrie family's approach to integrating trees on their farm.
Matt Imrie said: "We've been farming beef cattle and sheep for many years within the family's 500-acre business.
"In the past, we've never really considered the benefits of tree planting.
"This changed when it became clearer that there were many advantages to growing trees.
"The woodland creates shelter and shade for livestock, improves the landscape, and really gives a boost to biodiversity.
"Importantly, growing trees has also created a natural asset for the family to take advantage of well into the future.
'I'm very happy to share our experiences of growing trees so that it helps others who are considering it too.'
The family's efforts at Hillhead Farm have been recognised for their excellence in farm woodlands, with Matt and his father John receiving a trophy at Scotland's Finest Woods Awards ceremony.
Their upcoming free farm visit event is part of the Integrating Trees Network initiative, supported by the Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry.
Read more: 'Fantastic': Glasgow tree planting projects awarded funding
Through this network, farmers across Scotland share the best practices for tree planting.
Interested attendees must book their spot in advance through the Integrating Trees Network's booking site.
Lyn White, forestry and farming development officer at Scottish Forestry, said: "By speaking to those who have already been and done it, these practical farm visit events provide a great way to learn what worked well, or not, when it comes to tree planting.
"Scottish Forestry staff will be on hand on the day if anyone wants to know more about what grants are on offer and how best to go about applying."
