Jacqui Banks
I grew up in Eryri and now live in Pembrokeshire on a small farm with my husband where we are setting up a wildflower and agroforestry-focused tree nursery. We have a flock of Badgerface Torwen sheep who undergraze a silvopasture system that we have planted up over the past 10 years. It was a keen interest in the environment, ecology and food systems that brought me into agriculture and enhancing biodiversity is core to the decisions we make on our farm.
I also work as a facilitator for Farming Connect on the Agrisgôp programme where we use Action Learning to bring together small groups of like-minded farmers and growers to support and challenge each other with projects at individual, business and group level. This role has led me to have a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by farmers when balancing business and the environment.
I will use my Nuffield Scholarship to build on this experience and explore how the multiple challenges faced by agriculture can be addressed in creative and inspiring ways that lead to a thriving rural landscape.
I am grateful to have received the Malcolm Isaac Scholarship and look forward to sharing what I learn.
Not just planting trees: designing silvopasture systems that farmers actually want
Malcolm Isaac Scholarship
Study Overview
Not just planting trees: designing silvopasture systems that farmers actually want.
Silvopasture is an agroforestry system bringing together trees, forage and livestock, creating resilient, productive systems that sequester carbon, support biodiversity and boost farm profitability. Think hedgerows, windbreaks, orchards, individually protected in-field trees, as well as clusters of trees that form ‘cow cafés’ or ‘living barns’ with livestock grazing beneath them.
I am convinced that the innovative integration of trees into pasture is key to forging livestock systems that enhance ecosystem integrity. I will explore how we can unlock the potential of silvopasture across the UK by visiting exemplar projects abroad and focusing on:
1. Establishment and Design: How do we successfully scale silvopasture?
2. Tree Species Selection: Which species provide optimal outcomes?
3. Agronomic and Environmental Benefits: How can silvopasture contribute to improving environmental factors whilst benefiting other farm practices?
4. Economic Effect: What are the costs, benefits, and returns for farmers?
5. Overcoming Social and Cultural Barriers: Why, despite its potential, is UK uptake of silvopasture limited?