I am grateful that my application to the FAS Mentoring Scheme was approved, giving me access to up to four days of peer mentoring support.
One of my two mentors is Phil Knott, well known as the ‘tree expert’ on Isle of Skye.
Phil owns Drumfearn Trees, a small-scale croft based tree nursery, based in the Sleat Peninsula of Skye. They produce fruit and native trees that are outside grown on the west coast with no artificial chemicals or inputs. Trees are grown slowly, and come wind and salt tolerant, minimising risk of planting shock. Phil also provides training and consultancy on a range of topics around trees, land management and biodiversity.
After Phil’s first initial visit in February to understand my mentoring needs, I had the pleasure to visit him on 7th of April on his croft; learning a massive amount about shelter trees, biodiversity and more. And I came back with 200 birch saplings and same amount of willow cuttings – all planted 😊
So, the journey towards native shelterbelts and an apple orchard can begin.
