Summary
Iain and Marion Macdonald of Ardoch and Threepland Farms in East Renfrewshire transformed their business by planting trees on land that was hard to farm. Faced with health challenges and tough terrain, the owners used woodland creation to reduce workload, improve land use, and support biodiversity.
The trees helped shelter livestock, protect soil, and create new income streams. The case study shows how integrating trees into farming can make land more useful and farms more sustainable. It’s a practical example for farmers thinking about long-term change.