ClimateXChange is Scotland’s Centre of Expertise on Climate Change, providing independent advice, research and analysis to support the Scottish Government as it develops and implements policies on adapting to the changing climate and the transition to a low carbon society. www.climatexchange.org.uk Agroforestry in Scotland – potential benefits in a changing climate Mike Perks 1, Myroslava Khomik 2, Stephen Bathgate 1 , Steve Chapman 2 , Bill Slee 2 Jagadeesh Yeluripati 2 , Deborah Roberts 2 , James Morison 1 July 2018 1 Forest Research, 2 The James Hutton Institute Summary The Scottish Government has set statutory targets for the reduction of GHG emissions in Scotland through the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. One of the ways in which it aims to meet this target is through increased woodland cover from around 18% to 21% by 2032 (Scottish Government, Climate Change Plan, 2018, p18). Increased use of agroforestry in Scotland is one option that could help achieve these targets, while also supporting sustainable adaptation to a changing climate. This report identifies the potential benefits of increasing the use of agroforestry practice in Scotland to both farmers and wider society and aims to support wider discussion and implementation. Agro-forestry is the integrated use of trees on a Farm or small holding for a wide range of benefits. Where livestock are included, it is called silvo-pastoral; where crops are involved it is called silvo- arable. Key Findings  Agro-forestry takes many forms that include shelterbelts, wide spaced trees, groups of trees, hedgerows and woodland grazing.  Agro-forestry can improve a farm’s resilience to a changing climate by providing shelter to animals and crops, reducing feed costs, reducing risk of flooding, improving animal welfare, potentially reducing crop pests by housing beneficiary predators, reducing soil erosion and moisture extremes, and diversifying farm income.  All forms of agroforestry have the potential to sequester carbon (C), although the benefits will vary depending on soil type, species, planting density and location. Evidence suggests that maximum C-sequestration benefits on a per-hectare-basis might be achieved on the highly productive lowland areas, although potentially at a high agricultural opportunity cost. Scotland-wide, significant benefits are also possible on the less productive lands, by avoiding disturbance of organic soil layers.  There is a lack of quantitative information on the extent of (and trends in) agroforestry in Scotland. Filling this evidence gap would provide a benchmark against which to judge future developments in Scottish agroforestry.  Woodlands in agricultural landscapes diversify wildlife habitats and can increase connectivity, which is argued to enhance biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change. This assumes good woodland management practices, including the management of deer pressure.