Farm News | May 1, 2024
Thousands of Trees Planted at Lauriston Farm!
In anticipation of Agroforestry Open Weekend, here’s the latest on our tree planting at the farm…


Across the farm we have now planted around 12,000 trees with the help of over 1,000 volunteers – which is an incredible feat! We look forward to watching the native woodland areas, hedgerows, orchard, alley tree lines, shelterbelts and specimen trees grow, mature and provide fruit, fibre, fuel, protection and habitat, as well as all the other numerous ecological and environmental benefits that having trees in the landscape provides.
We have planted 35 different species of tree and shrub (see the full list below) – all carefully chosen for specific purposes.
The trees across the farm have an excellent survival rate – which is very heartening! They still need ongoing maintenance in these first years after planting and we continue to run monthly maintenance sessions which anyone can sign up to.
Click here for details of the May tree care volunteer session on Wednesday 29th
We have worked with so many great volunteers over the past couple of years, from 2 year olds to 90 year olds, and from all walks of life. This includes groups from The Welcoming, Edinburgh Lothian and Regional Equality Council, Pilton Equalities Project, pupils from Craigroyston and Royal High Schools and the Dirty Weekenders Edinburgh University Group.
A huge thanks to all of them and the hundreds of volunteers who have signed up to our tree volunteer sessions and continue to do so.
We even have a long-term volunteers Musketreers group who do regular tree work to keep the trees happy – a big shout out to them and all their hard work.
In the coming months we’ll share some tree tales and facts about the different species we have planted, and please join us for the Open Day on Saturday 18th May to get a tour of the planting and hear more about agroforestry in action…
Tree Species List
Silver and Downy Birch
Alder
Aspen
Rowan
Crab apple
Hazel
Hawthorn
Blackthorn
Sessile Oak
Hornbeam
Holly
Wild Cherry
Bird Cherry
Field Maple
Walnut
Sweet Chestnut
Filberts
7 varieties of willow
5 varieties of pear
5 varieties of plum
4 varieties of cherry
30 varieties of apple
Greengage
Mulberry
Scots Pine
As well as dog rose, dogwood, gorse and honeysuckle