THRC was appointed by a Farm Advisor to the Duchy of Cornwall to deliver a series of planting projects across two separate farms in East Cornwall.
Duchy of Cornwall Tenant Farm Tree Planting
Client Brief
We were appointed by a Farm Advisor to the Duchy of Cornwall to deliver a series of planting projects across two separate farms in East Cornwall.
The works centred on the creation and enhancement of native hedgerows, complemented by riparian planting within a wet valley bottom and targeted infill planting on steep scrubland adjacent to grazing pasture, using native broadleaf mixes. The overarching objective was to strengthen habitat connectivity, enhance biodiversity and integrate resilient tree planting within active farming systems.
THRC Solution
Each site was carefully prepared in collaboration with the tenant farmers to ensure optimal conditions for establishment. Preparation methods were tailored to the context and included selective herbicide treatment to create grass-free planting zones, as well as topping, mowing or controlled grazing where appropriate.
Hedgerow Establishment
At one holding, new hedgerows were planted along existing field boundaries to act as a boundary for the arable and livestock farm. These hedgerows were flanked and installed alongside new stock-proof fencing to protect young trees from grazing pressure.
Hedgerows were planted at five stems per metre in a traditional ‘W’ formation to encourage density and structural integrity. Native standard trees were incorporated at 20–25 metre intervals to diversify species composition and introduce vertical structure across the landscape.
A generous layer of woodchip compost mulch was applied to each hedgeline to suppress competing vegetation, provide nutrients, moderate soil temperatures, and support early root development by protecting the whips from frost damage.
Scrubland Infill Planting
On a steep scrubland site dominated by dense gorse, bramble and bracken, access and planting required a phased, sectional approach. Vegetation was cut back strategically to enable the establishment of clustered native broadleaf planting.
Groups of oak, field maple and cherry trees were introduced, supported by a diverse understorey of smaller shrub species.
The challenge here will be to keep the gorse and bramble at bay long enough for the whips to establish themselves successfully and gradually emerge through the existing scrub matrix, increasing structural diversity and ecological value over time.
End Result
Both farms now benefit from newly established hedgerows that reconnect fragmented habitats and reinforce the wider ecological network across the landscape. These features will provide valuable nesting opportunities for farmland birds, enhanced shelter for livestock in exposed pasture, and long-term gains in biodiversity within productive agricultural systems.
The schemes demonstrate how carefully designed planting can strengthen natural capital while remaining fully integrated within working farmland.
