Farmer acceptability of increased tree cover scenarios in the UK: Identifying farmer preferences for tree planting on their land

Westaway, Sally, Grange, Ian, Smith, Jo and Smith, Laurence (2026) Farmer acceptability of increased tree cover scenarios in the UK: Identifying farmer preferences for tree planting on their land. Journal of Rural Studies, 127 (104353). pp. 1-11. ISSN 0743-0167

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Abstract

Tree planting on farmland will be necessary to meet 2050 UK net-zero targets, creating a conflict between land for food production or carbon sequestration. Trees on farmland can be planted separately (e.g. farm woodlands, boundary hedgerows) or integrated (e.g. grazed woodlands, alley cropping), each with the potential to deliver a range of benefits. However, despite decades of incentivising tree planting, previous planting targets have not been achieved. A key implementation factor is developing a better understanding of farmer preferences for different tree planting configurations. This study used a mixed methods approach to investigate what the future of trees on UK farms may look like and the associated farmer attitudes. An initial exploratory online survey (127 respondents) was followed by a Q-study to find shared farmer perspectives (33 participants). Most farmers surveyed held a positive attitude towards future increases in tree cover. Results suggest that economic barriers may be less significant than previously thought. For all farming sectors, increasing biodiversity was the most important driver. The most popular action was planting more hedges. Results support the fact that a diversity of approaches tailored to different farming sectors could help ensure that the UK's tree planting targets are met. For example, the expansion of existing hedgerow networks was highly valued by livestock farmers whereas planting trees on less productive land for biodiversity was most important for arable farmers. This study has gathered new insights that will allow policy makers and advisory services to tailor recommendations to identified groups based on perceptions of trees on farm.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Q-methodology Agroforestry Net-zero Tree planting targets
Divisions:	Agriculture, Science and Practice
Depositing User:	Mr Ian Grange
Date Deposited:	26 Aug 2026 08:47
Last Modified:	26 Aug 2026 08:47
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17126

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