Yorkshire farmers urged to plant trees for livestock shelter

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 07:02 · Archive

Farmers in Yorkshire are being encouraged to plant trees and hedgerows to protect livestock from extreme heat following the region's driest July in 155 years. The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is supporting the initiative as part of a broader strategy to manage the impacts of climate change without taking valuable farmland out of use.

James Newhouse, who runs Meg's Farm in the Yorkshire Dales, has already begun planting trees to cope with rising temperatures. He said: 'Last summer, in the middle of the hot spell, when I went to check on the cows, they were all standing under the one tree we have, trying to get some shade. This really made me think about how we need to change our land for the future.' Mr Newhouse noted that livestock are 'designed for the hills, the wet and the cold, not the heat', and that animals lose condition in hot weather.

With YDMT support, Mr Newhouse has planted 22 individual trees across his fields and more than 500 metres of hedgerow. These trees are planted within working fields rather than as part of larger woodland, allowing the land to remain productive while providing essential shade and shelter. Hedgerows offer added benefits by supporting wildlife and linking habitats across the landscape. Trees also moderate temperatures, protect against wind and other extreme conditions, and their roots help maintain soil structure and improve water retention, though benefits depend on careful species selection and management.

How it is being reported

• Yorkshire farmers urged to plant trees as livestock face rising heat and droughtFarmers urged to plant trees and hedgerows to protect livestock from extreme heat after Yorkshire’s driest July in 155 years, with YDMT support for farmers.Darlington & Stockton Times · 1 Nov, 06:00
• Yorkshire farmers urged to plant trees as livestock face rising heat and droughtFarmers urged to plant trees and hedgerows to protect livestock from extreme heat after Yorkshire’s driest July in 155 years, with YDMT support for farmers.The Northern Echo · 1 Nov, 05:30

In this story: James Newhouse · Meg's Farm · Yorkshire Dales · Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust · Yorkshire

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