We are delighted to be taking part in Agroforestry Open Weekend 2025

Our farm

Our farm is a working goat farm with a few other animals and a campsite. We started 15 years ago with a small herd of 12 goats and have gradually increased our numbers to between 60 and 100 goats depending on the time of year. Goats are browsers rather than grazers so although they will eat grass, they would much rather be in the hedge! I’m sure many people have seen pictures of ‘goats in trees’ – well that really is their ‘happy place’ or at least access to trees. We started following more regenerative practices a few years ago and in particular started mob grazing (ie frequently moving the goats into new sections and then leaving the ground time to recover before re-grazing). This has had its challenges as they are pretty intent on escaping, either under, over or just through fencing, with their main aim being to get to some trees! So we decided agroforestry was the answer.

Our agroforestry

In spring 2025, we received a grant from the woodland trust to plant an agroforestry project in a 5 acre field, approx 1300 trees in total. Although we have planted a number of trees on the farm before, they were mainly for biodiversity reasons. This project is specifically designed as tree fodder for the goats. We have planted rows of trees so as we mob graze the goats, they will have access to grass and a row of trees. The rows consist of roughly 60% willow (4 varieties), 20% hazel, 20% rowan and aspen. One acre of the field is silvopasture so standard trees spread out about 10m apart to provide shade and shelter for the goats to hopefully extend the season that we can have them outside (goats don’t like rain).There is also a row of sweet chestnut which we will coppice and use as fencing posts.

The large amount of willow was chosen as it is known for its anthelmintic effect which will hopefully reduce the need for worming medicines. Anything they don’t eat will be coppiced.

We are also hoping to improve our soils and enhance biodiverstity. If it goes well, we’re hoping to plant up more fields in the same way. I am expecting to have the goats grazing the trees in 3 years time, once they have had a chance to get established.

Here are some photos of what we do:

how to find us

You will find us at Wookey Farm, Monks Ford, Wookey, Wells Somerset BA5 1DT

agroforestry open weekend 2025

Over Agroforestry Open Weekend 2025 we will be open from 10am – 3pm on Sat 17th May. The trees were only planted in March 2025 so there may still be some mulching to do – feel free to help us move a wheelbarrow load of woodchip.

feel free to just turn up

You can just turn up but it always helps to know who’s coming so please do book here. You can walk amongst the trees and read more about our project but if you’d like to learn more, just ask for Sarah.

facilities/refreshments

Our farm shop is open from 10 – 12 for refreshments and there are compost toilets on the campsite.

parking/access

Parking is in the yard by the farm shop

dogs

Dogs are welcome but please note there is livestock around.

disability access

There is a gravel roadway to the field and our farm is all quite level.

more information?

For more information please contact Sarah Davies 07779 145441 or info@wookeyfarm.com

www.wookeyfarm.com

https://www.facebook.com/WookeyFarm

You could always come and camp at our campsite and make a weekend trip. And of course you must say hello to the goats!