The Role of Trees in Regenerative Farming

How trees are restoring landscapes, soil health and biodiversity and how Frank P Matthews Trees are leading the way in regenerative farming.

Regenerative farming is more than just a buzzword, it’s a movement toward rebuilding soil health, biodiversity and resilience in our agricultural systems. Trees, often overlooked in traditional farming, are becoming essential allies in this regenerative transition.

Frank P Matthews Trees has long championed the value of trees and whether they’re fruit-bearing, native or ornamental, we know they can transform landscapes for the better.

What Is Regenerative Farming?

Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving the entire ecosystem of a farm. Unlike conventional approaches, which often deplete soils nutrients and rely on synthetic inputs, regenerative methods restore natural balance through:

Minimised soil disturbance

Cover cropping and diverse planting

Integrated livestock

Composting and natural fertility

Agroforestry and tree planting

Why Trees Matter

Trees play a foundational role in regenerative systems. Their deep roots, perennial structure, and ecological functions make them key for land recovery and resilience and here is how;

Soil Health & Carbon Storage

Trees improve soil structure by:

Preventing erosion

Increasing organic matter

Storing carbon in their roots and wood (One mature tree can store several tonnes of CO₂ an invaluable tool in combating climate change)

Water Management

Trees enhance water infiltration and reduce runoff. In drought-prone regions, trees can raise soil moisture levels and moderate temperatures through canopy shade and transpiration.

Biodiversity Support

From bees and butterflies to birds and bats, trees provide essential habitats. Planting a mix of trees invites pollinators and pest-controlling species, reducing reliance on chemicals.

Windbreaks & Microclimates

Strategically placed trees reduce wind damage and evaporation and protect crops or livestock. They create warmer, calmer microclimates, especially useful for frost-prone orchards.

Agroforestry – Blending Trees with Farming

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees with crops or livestock. Common systems include;

Alley cropping is when rows of trees interplanted with annual crops

Silvopasture is combining trees and grazing animals. Trees planted in this way also provide much needed shade for the animal.

Silvoarable is mixing trees with arable crops (like wheat and barley) in alleyways 

Forest gardening is creating layered systems mimicking woodland edges

For example, apple or plum trees can be grown alongside nitrogen-fixing shrubs like alder, enhancing soil fertility and productivity.

Trees That Work for Regenerative Systems

Frank P Matthews Trees have been supporting regenerative projects across the UK with a mixture of the following:

Native species (e.g. Hawthorn, Blackthorn) Improve hedgerows and habitat corridors

Heritage fruit trees (e.g.  King of the Pippins, Pitmaston Pine Apple) Great for biodiversity, flavour, and climate resilience

Nut trees (e.g. Hazel, Cobnuts, Chestnuts) Low-input, high-value

Pollinator-friendly ornamentals (e.g. Malus, Rowan) Support bees and wildlife

From Farm to Landscape: A Wider Regeneration

Trees don’t just help individual farms, they reconnect fragmented landscapes, restore hedgerows, and revive neglected orchards. Partnering with local councils, community groups or rewilding projects can multiply impact.

Frank P Matthews Trees supports farmers, landowners, and conservation groups with expert advice, heritage varieties, and high-quality British-grown trees, helping plant a better future, tree by tree.

In regenerative farming, trees are not an afterthought, they’re essential infrastructure. While the investment is long-term, the benefits are lasting with healthier soils, more resilient crops, greater biodiversity and a legacy for generations.

Now more than ever, planting the right tree in the right place is an act of hope and a practical step toward a more sustainable future.

Groundswell Festival 2025

The Groundswell Festival provides a forum for farmers, growers, or anyone interested in food production and the environment to learn about the theory and practical applications of regenerative farming systems.

Groundswell Festival takes place on the 2nd and 3rd of July 2025.

For more infomation or to buy tickets head over to the Groundswell website here.