Trees on Crofts 3: Planting for Success
Trees on Crofts 3: Planting for Success
A good start in life sets things up well, and this is especially true of new trees and shrubs.
Join crofter Phil Knott as he takes us through the best methods for planting and establishing new trees.
So many plantings fail or stagnate in the first 5 years and we will try and help you falling into the same traps as others when it comes to planting, staking, guards, weeding, watering and protection from exposure and pests and browsers big and small.
A big focus will be on local provenance, mulching and aftercare. Phil is a big believer in resilient systems and will offer a range of tips.
Phil has a tree nursery on Skye and his experience and will cover fruit and ornamental trees as well as individual trees, hedges and shelterbelts for all different exposure and soil conditions.
The price for each 2 hour workshop is £20 for members; £35 for non-members.
Trees on Crofts Series
This workshop is part of a five-part series that we are holding over the coming year. Topics and dates are:-
- 1. What Tree Species - which trees where? Wednesday 24th September 2025
- 2. Shelter Belts Wednesday 29th October 2025
- 3. Planting for Success Wednesday 3rd December 2025
- 4. Managing Woodland for Biodiversity Wednesday 14th January 2026
- 5. Tree Fodder Wednesday 18th March 2026
Book early as spaces will be limited and we anticipate a high demand for these workshops.
Once your booking is complete, a link will be sent out with your confirmation email. If you do not receive an email, please check your spam or junk folder. You can contact us at hq@crofting.org if you require any assistance.
About Phil
Crofter Phil Knott stays with his family at Wildlife Croft Skye, in Sleat, Skye. Phil has vast experience with trees, especially throughout the crofting counties and is regarded as an expert naturalist and tree grower. Phil sits on the SCF's Agriculture and Environment Committee and is currently the UK Chair of the Nature Friendly Farming Network and a Director of Reforesting Scotland. Phil is a passionate advocate of productive land-use, maximising opportunities for people and nature.
Since moving to the croft 10 years ago, they have been slowly transforming their wooded 3ha site, which had been previously planted up with a Forestry Grant Scheme.
The croft is rich in biodiversity, with over 90 species of bird, and 300 species of moth recorded. The trees provide shelter, allowing his fruit and native tree nursery 'Drumfearn Trees' to flourish, away from the extremes of the weather. The croft is self-sufficient in firewood and woodchip and is now in a regenerative management cycle to enhance productivity and biodiversity. The site conditions continue to improve and new orchards and useful trees and shrubs are added each year. Their work has seen them Commended in Scotland's Finest Woods Awards and as one of the Nature Heroes by NatureScot.
The croft is frequently used as a demonstration and education site for woodland
establishment and management, hosting events with the SCF, Landworkers Alliance, Woodland Trust, Scottish Forestry, UHI and more.