NSA drives discussions on upland management and wildfire resilience

The National Sheep Association (NSA) continues to actively engage in pivotal policy discussions, ensuring the interests of sheep farmers and the opportunities and practical realities of upland farming are heard.

Reducing sheep numbers, and in some cases removing sheep altogether from the UK’s hills, presents a major challenge for the industry, affecting rural economies, genetics, skills and critical mass.

NSA continues to highlight the benefits of grazing and shepherding in the uplands, and site-specific landscape management plans that deliver for nature and natural resources alongside food and fibre production.

The wholesale loss of flocks, which is happening at an alarming rate in some areas across the UK, puts abattoirs, markets and shepherding skills under pressure.

On 25th September, NSA organised a multi-stakeholder meeting in West Yorkshire, bringing together farming groups and organisations to work towards a consensus on the future of uplands management.

In attendance were representatives from the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Heather Trust, Nature Friendly Farming Network, National Gamekeepers Organisation, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Rewilding Britain, Wildlife Trusts, Yorkshire Water, National Trust, West Yorkshire Fire Service, Foundation for Common Land, National Beef Association, National Farmers Union, along with MPs John Fenton-Glynn, Robbie Moore, academics from the James Hutton Institute, Nuffield and Aberystwyth University accompanied by other Uplands Alliance members.

Building consensus on the future of upland management

Mick Rhodes, West Yorkshire Fire Service, comments: “It was encouraging to see so many organisations and individuals coming together to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. Whilst there may not yet be a clear consensus on every aspect of the future direction, I agree that there was a great deal of common ground and a willingness to continue the conversation in a positive and constructive way.”

Rewilding Britain’s Sara King says: “It was great to sit down with NSA and land managers to discuss how our uplands can adapt to a changing climate. There is a range of opinions on grazing style, grazing animal and stocking rates, but we share a common goal in restoring landscapes that are more resilient to wildfires.

“A key part of the solution is moving towards varied landscape mosaics, combining peatland rewetting, natural woodland expansion and flexible, low-density grazing so our hills store carbon, hold water and naturally break up heavy fuel loads.”

Influencing policy on wildfire resilience

NSA is also contributing to the Senedd’s consideration of wildfire resilience, providing written and oral evidence as part of discussions taking place this autumn. A range of evidence has been collated to show how reduced grazing has resulted in fire risk.

NSA Policy Manager Michael Priestley says: “Many farmers are concerned about the direction of agri-environment schemes, particularly where livestock are being removed and land management is being abandoned. In some upland areas, this has led to large amounts of woody vegetation accumulating, creating a serious fire risk.

“There is no single definition of what a ‘good’ upland habitat looks like, but we believe a mosaic of diverse habitats can deliver for nature while allowing sheep farming to remain part of the landscape. Grazing, rewetting and rewilding all mean different things in different contexts, so they must be applied in the right places and managed appropriately.

“NSA is encouraging policy makers to recognise how carefully managed grazing, using suitable livestock at the right time, can benefit nature, society, carbon storage and water quality.”

NSA will continue to engage with policymakers and industry stakeholders across these key areas, championing the interests of UK sheep farmers and promoting practical, evidence-based approaches that support the future of the sector.