Experience in a number of trials across the UK has shown that biodiversity increases as a result of silvopastoral agroforestry. Silvopastoral agroforestry can be considered as wood pasture, one of the Priority Habitats in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP); included under the term "wood pastures" in the BAP are "pastures with trees in them". In Northern Ireland, The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recognises this and awards extra qualification points for its Agri-environment Schemes. Wood pasture may also contribute to qualification points in the Rural Stewardship Scheme, as run for example, by the Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD) because it is one of the Priority Habitats in the BAP.

Invertebrates:

Invertebrates are encouraged to grassland sites when trees are planted on them at silvopastoral agroforestry densities. Spiders and rove beetles appear to respond more quickly to the introduction of trees than other groups such as carabid beetles. Greater number of invertebrates will provide more food for birds.

Birds:

There is an increase in the number of bird species - both woodland and open-field bird species have been observed in agroforestry fields. There is also an increase in the total number of birds over conventionally grazed pasture.

Plants:

The only measured changes in pasture plant species species in silvopastoral agroforestry systems over a 14-year period have been immediately around trees in the areas which were treated with herbicide during the first few tree-establishment years. The changes were greatest in older pastures which have a more varied seed bank than more recently sown pastures. The species composition of the main areas of pasture have remained unaffected when compared to similar conventionally managed pastures.
Pastures on one site under the canopy of 35-year-old poplar trees, thinned to 156 trees per hectare have shown changes in pasture composition. While perennial ryegrass, white clover, rough-stalked meadow grass and creeping thistle were prevalent in nearby conventional pastures, the pastures under the 35-year-old trees had more shade tolerant species such as creeping bent, Yorkshire fog and annual meadow grass. Feeding values to grazing animals may be reduced with these changes and management, including rates of fertiliser application, may have to be adjusted.
Rates of change:
The rates at which increases in invertebrate and bird activity and the establishment of new plant species on new silvopastoral agroforestry sites will depend on the surrounding countryside from which the movement of species and individuals will be initiated.
Landscape:
Landscape impacts can be very positive when trees are introduced onto farmland as silvopastoral agroforestry. The image of grazed woodland is one which many people find very attractive.