Why Doesn't England Plant Trees in Their Fields?

England is known for its picturesque countryside, with rolling green fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Despite this, you will rarely see trees planted in these fields. So, why doesn't England plant trees in their fields?

Historical Reasons

One reason why trees are not commonly planted in English fields is due to historical land use. In the past, landowners would clear wooded areas to create more space for their grazing livestock. This practice created a cultural legacy of open fields that still exists today.

Furthermore, England's arable farming system, called strip cultivation, made planting trees difficult. Under this system, fields were divided into narrow strips that were farmed by individual families. There was simply not enough space to plant and manage trees when every inch of land was being used for crops or grazing.

Livestock Grazing

Another reason why trees are not commonly planted in English fields is due to the country's long tradition of livestock grazing. Historically, farmers have used fields to graze their livestock, and trees can create hurdles to grazing patterns. In addition, while trees provide a source of shade, they also can decrease the quality of grass beneath them. This issue has made it difficult for farmers to justify planting trees in their fields.

Modern Farming Practices

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to promote agroforestry, which is the practice of integrating trees into farming systems. Organizations such as the Woodland Trust and the Soil Association are encouraging farmers to plant trees in their fields, arguing that they can bring a range of benefits, from reducing soil erosion to improving biodiversity. However, while some farmers have embraced this practice, it is still not common in England's farming industry.

Government Policy

The UK government has set ambitious targets to plant new woodlands in the country, with a goal of planting 11 million new trees by 2022. However, most of these trees will be planted in urban areas or on unused land, not in working agricultural landscapes. Furthermore, the UK government's agricultural policy has not traditionally been focused on tree planting in fields, and there are few incentives for farmers to do so.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a range of historical and cultural reasons why trees are not commonly planted in English fields. While there are movements to promote agroforestry, it has not yet been widely adopted in the country's farming industry. Despite this, the benefits of planting trees in fields are becoming increasingly clear, and it is possible that we may see a shift in attitudes towards this practice in the future.