Recognising the value shelter could provide to agriculture, the Trust initiated a programme of research into tree growing for shelter in the late 1980s and established a small woodland area, The Alexandra Wood, on Port Howard, West Falkland. Following the success of these trials, the Department of Agriculture embarked on a comprehensive and conclusive shelterbelt programme. In a recent evaluation of all these trials, the Trust’s consultant (Dr Rodrigo Olave) has highlighted the success of the programme, including an economic evaluation of shelterbelt provision.

Tree trials in the Trust’s experimental wood at Port Howard.

Trustee Marlane Marsh with research forester Dr Rodrigo Olave (left) and Consultant Dr Jim McAdam (right) assess tree trials at Shallow Harbour, West Falkland.