Trees on Farms: In Conversation with Helen Browning OBE, Guy-Singh Watson and Ben Norwood

Join us for a lively and insightful conversation exploring the vital role of trees in farmed landscapes.

As momentum grows around agroforestry and integrating trees into farmland, we’re excited to host Trees on Farms, a special panel discussion featuring:

• Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford and long-time advocate for holistic, sustainable farming

• Helen Browning OBE, organic farmer and Chief Executive of the Soil Association

• Ben Norwood, Project Officer at Cornwall Council, co-lead for Trees on Farms research pilot

Hosted by The Tree Council’s Director of Trees, Science & Research, Jon Stokes, this one-hour session will explore practical, ecological, and economic perspectives on trees in agricultural systems — including insights from our upcoming agroforestry guide.

Expect a relaxed, engaging discussion shaped by the speakers’ diverse experiences, followed by time for audience Q&A.

Whether you're a farmer, landowner, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of our rural landscapes, this is a session not to miss.

About our guests

Guy-Singh Watson

Twice awarded BBC Radio 4 Farmer of the Year, Guy is the founder of the organic farm and veg box company, Riverford Organic Farmers. Over the last thirty years, Guy has taken Riverford from one man and a wheelbarrow delivering homegrown organic veg to friends, to a national veg box scheme delivering to around 50,000 customers a week. Riverford is now 100% employee owned, but Guy continues to play an active role – including spearheading agroforestry projects, including planting 1,588 nut trees across four farms in 2022.

Helen Browning OBE

Born and brought up on the family farm in Wiltshire which she runs today, Helen has also been Chief Executive of the Soil Association since 2011. Helen was awarded the OBE in 1998 for services to farming and served on the Curry Commission into the Future of Farming in 2002, whose recommendations heralded a shift in UK agricultural policy towards sustainability and environmental stewardship. In 2016 Helen planted thousands of trees on her farm to gauge the effects of integrating productive trees into farmland, with a view to improving overall productivity while enhancing wildlife and protecting soils.

Ben Norwood

Ben is part of Cornwall Council's Forest for Cornwall programme ‘planting at scale’ team. Helping support farmers and landowners with advice on tree planting, grants and aftercare, Ben also led the delivery of the Shared Outcome Fund - Trees Outside Woodland pilot programme in Cornwall.