Woodfibre bedding is more commonly used in the horse sector, but it is becoming increasingly popular as a bedding agent for both cattle and sheep farmers.

At a third of the price of straw, woodfibre is proving a much cheaper alternative, and able to hold more moisture, it lasts longer, according to AW Jenkinson sales manager, Gerry Burns, who was on hand at Fans farm to highlight the benefits of this end of life timber.

"Wood fibre is the nearest thing you will get to natural turf and it produces a natural warmth around the animal when it lies down, which encourages animals to lie down for longer," said Mr Burns who pointed out that AW Jenkinson, which is one of the biggest wood recycling businesses in Scotland, sells wood fibre all the way up to John O Groats.

"On average wood fibre will last twice as long as straw, and because the moisture sinks to the bottom, the top always stays dry," added Mr Burns.