The Principles of Agroforestry

A one-day introduction to the principles, practice and potential of growing trees alongside crops and other productive plants. Agroforestry offers an exciting approach to land management that brings trees, crops, livestock and ecological systems together. This one-day course explores the principles behind agroforestry and considers how these systems can create productive, resilient and biodiverse landscapes. Through a combination of theory, discussion and practical examples, we will explore different agroforestry systems, from alley cropping to forest gardens and productive hedgerows. The course considers how trees can influence soil, water, microclimate, biodiversity and crop production. We will also look at species selection, planting arrangements, succession and management, alongside the opportunities and challenges of incorporating agroforestry principles into gardens, farms and wider landscapes.