Chris' Story: A wildlife corridor to support farm biodiversity

A Scottish farmer with a passion for nature creates a 100 acre “wildlife corridor” by transforming his land, with new, native broadleaf trees.

Read time: 2 min      Added: 18/05/2023

Chris Addison-Scott recently received subsidised trees through the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme to support the transformation of a parcel of arable land on his Fife estate.

The scheme was funded by us and this has already helped over 3,000 landowners with their planting projects.

When speaking about balancing the needs of a productive farming business with his nature-based goals, Chris explained the minimal impact the planting scheme has had on the productive farmland. Clever woodland design means his 1,000 new trees will have a significant impact for nature without taking up too much space;

“Several years ago we had sown an area of canary grass and it so happened that this area connected a large piece of woodland on a couple of neighbouring estates. By planting more trees, it has created a perfect wildlife corridor, linking perhaps over 100 acres of diversified cover.”

Wildlife corridors are important as they bridge the gap between habitats which otherwise would be small and isolated and join them together.

" "

Linking core wildlife habitats helps to restore and preserve biodiversity, allowing movement between important habitats to maintain genetic diversity in wildlife populations.

Emma Briggs, who manages the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme, said:

“It’s inspiring to see what Chris has done on his farm. These trees will be essential for so many reasons –not least for boosting biodiversity and combating climate change. Our MOREwoods scheme is an easy, effective and low-cost way for landowners to bring more nature to their land.”

Chris Addison-Scott recently received subsidised trees through the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme to support the transformation of a parcel of arable land on his Fife estate.

The scheme was funded by us and this has already helped over 3,000 landowners with their planting projects.

" "

When speaking about balancing the needs of a productive farming business with his nature-based goals, Chris explained the minimal impact the planting scheme has had on the productive farmland. Clever woodland design means his 1,000 new trees will have a significant impact for nature without taking up too much space;

“Several years ago we had sown an area of canary grass and it so happened that this area connected a large piece of woodland on a couple of neighbouring estates. By planting more trees, it has created a perfect wildlife corridor, linking perhaps over 100 acres of diversified cover.”

Wildlife corridors are important as they bridge the gap between habitats which otherwise would be small and isolated and join them together.

Linking core wildlife habitats helps to restore and preserve biodiversity, allowing movement between important habitats to maintain genetic diversity in wildlife populations.

Emma Briggs, who manages the Woodland Trust’s MOREwoods scheme, said:

“It’s inspiring to see what Chris has done on his farm. These trees will be essential for so many reasons –not least for boosting biodiversity and combating climate change. Our MOREwoods scheme is an easy, effective and low-cost way for landowners to bring more nature to their land.”

" "

Chris’ family has been farming on the Kinloss Estate for generations –since his great-grandfather bought the farm in 1887. In those days it was mainly down to grass, but his father started to grow arable crops on the farm in the mid 1960s, something that Chris has continued. The business has now evolved into a mixed farm growing cereals and broccoli, with additional parcels of land let out for grazing.

Most of the farm is now tended by contractors as opposed to direct employees, as Chris’ day-job as a Land Agent for Galbraith takes up much of his time. However, he and his wife Margo, have also diversified into other ventures, letting out holiday cottages on the site.

The farm is blessed with wildlife features as the couple had already created water habitats and hedgerows. There is a burn – or stream – which runs through the farm and an old mill pond which they restored in the 1990s. The Addison-Scott’s have continued their passion for championing the countryside by hosting the Fife Show, which they began around 15 years ago. The event connects locals, attracting about 10,000 visitors on show day in May, as well as showcasing their land.

Chris has placed strong importance on ensuring a high survival rate of his new trees. To protect the saplings from predators, tree guards have been incorporated into the scheme, but Chris has gone one step further to protect his new crop, adding; “We’re able to inspect the site at least once a fortnight to carry out any repairs to the tubes. So far after one growing season the new trees are doing really well, with perhaps less than five per cent losses.”

Chris first heard about MOREwoods through his Bank of Scotland Relationship Manager, Susan Robson. Liking the low levels of bureaucracy often associated with other woodland schemes, he decided to pursue a project; “It really has worked for us, and I would definitely recommend it as a way to increase nature on your land.” 

The MOREwoods scheme is open to anyone looking to plant at least 500 trees on at least half a hectare. The Woodland Trust can offer expert guidance tailored to each scheme from local woodland creation advisors, arrange delivery and tree protection – and cover up to 75% of costs.

Chris’ family has been farming on the Kinloss Estate for generations –since his great-grandfather bought the farm in 1887. In those days it was mainly down to grass, but his father started to grow arable crops on the farm in the mid 1960s, something that Chris has continued. The business has now evolved into a mixed farm growing cereals and broccoli, with additional parcels of land let out for grazing.

Most of the farm is now tended by contractors as opposed to direct employees, as Chris’ day-job as a Land Agent for Galbraith takes up much of his time. However, he and his wife Margo, have also diversified into other ventures, letting out holiday cottages on the site.

" "

Most of the farm is now tended by contractors as opposed to direct employees, as Chris’ day-job as a Land Agent for Galbraith takes up much of his time. However, he and his wife Margo, have also diversified into other ventures, letting out holiday cottages on the site.

The farm is blessed with wildlife features as the couple had already created water habitats and hedgerows. There is a burn – or stream – which runs through the farm and an old mill pond which they restored in the 1990s. The Addison-Scott’s have continued their passion for championing the countryside by hosting the Fife Show, which they began around 15 years ago. The event connects locals, attracting about 10,000 visitors on show day in May, as well as showcasing their land.

Chris has placed strong importance on ensuring a high survival rate of his new trees. To protect the saplings from predators, tree guards have been incorporated into the scheme, but Chris has gone one step further to protect his new crop, adding; “We’re able to inspect the site at least once a fortnight to carry out any repairs to the tubes. So far after one growing season the new trees are doing really well, with perhaps less than five per cent losses.”

Chris first heard about MOREwoods through his Bank of Scotland Relationship Manager, Susan Robson. Liking the low levels of bureaucracy often associated with other woodland schemes, he decided to pursue a project; “It really has worked for us, and I would definitely recommend it as a way to increase nature on your land.” 

The MOREwoods scheme is open to anyone looking to plant at least 500 trees on at least half a hectare. The Woodland Trust can offer expert guidance tailored to each scheme from local woodland creation advisors, arrange delivery and tree protection – and cover up to 75% of costs.

Bank of Scotland | Woodland Trust Scotland

Woodland Trust

Find out how our funding is helping landowners like Chris through schemes such as the Woodland Trust's MOREwoods and MOREhedges.

More about the Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 294344) and in Scotland (No. SC038885). A non-profit-making company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 1982873. The Woodland Trust logo is a registered trademark.

While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is correct, no liability is accepted by Bank of Scotland for any loss or damage caused to any person relying on any statement or omission. This is for information only and should not be relied upon as offering advice for any set of circumstances.  Specific advice should always be sought in each instance.

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