Trees on Crofts 5 - Tree Fodder
Tree Fodder
Discover how Tree Fodder can revolutionise your croft! With many of the feed and medicinal inputs for livestock making up a high percentage of our costs, Phil looks at the almost forgotten practice of Tree Fodder, with a particular focus on croft appropriate species and methods.
Phil will cover some of the science behind tree fodder and will offer several design suggestions for different crofts. We will look at fresh tree fodder and dried tree hay and discuss the work involved in establishing and maintaining each method. Trees and shrubs are deeper rooted, making them much more resilient than pasture alone, with the deep roots allowing access to a range of minerals unavailable to grasses and herbs.
Depending on the livestock breed, tree fodder can make up an important percentage of the calorific intake, but of most interest to crofters is the nutritional and medicinal properties they offer their stock. Providing a range of choice of tree species to animals allows stock to self- medicate on the anthelmintic (parasite flushing) tannins and seek out essential nutrients
(such as cobalt, selenium, magnesium and zinc) long before they show any physiological signs of deficiency.
Phil will cover both native and non-native tree and shrub species and provide tips on establishment and current funding opportunities.
The price for each 2 hour workshop is £20 for members; £35 for non-members.
Did you know you can save on training costs by becoming a member? Join Scottish Crofting Federation from as little as £3.50 per month and access discounted rates for training. Find out more at www.crofting.org/membership/
Trees on Crofts Series
- 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 high demand for these workshops.
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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.