51AVÊÓÆµ

Farmers demand answers on upland destocking

Producers have warned reduced livestock numbers has had serious ramifications on the social, cultural and economic value of rural and farming communities

Chris Brayford
clock • 8 min read
"Hefted flocks represent a deep-rooted relationship between sheep and landscape – one that cannot be recreated once broken. Reducing flock numbers to the extent currently being implemented threatens the breed and the very existence of defaid cynefin—sheep that instinctively understand and maintain their 'home' on the mountain."
Image:

"Hefted flocks represent a deep-rooted relationship between sheep and landscape – one that cannot be recreated once broken. Reducing flock numbers to the extent currently being implemented threatens the breed and the very existence of defaid cynefin—sheep that instinctively understand and maintain their 'home' on the mountain."

Farmers have expressed deep concern that the cultural, social and economic value of rural communities could be undermined by destocking livestock on upland farms. Producers in Wales and Scotland said...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Government faces backlash over peatland wildfire policy

Government faces backlash over peatland wildfire policy

The Countryside Alliance has accused the UK government of worsening wildfire risks by continuing to ban heather burning on deep peat

Rachael Brown
clock 30 July 2026 • 2 min read
Opinion: Liz Staley - Ensuring farming support reaches farmers and delivers value for taxpayers

Opinion: Liz Staley - Ensuring farming support reaches farmers and delivers value for taxpayers

Cumbrian farmer Liz Staley reflects on the Sustainable Farming Incentive

Liz Staley
clock 25 July 2026 • 4 min read
CPRE says PM must extend his 'good growth in every postcode' pledge to rural communities

CPRE says PM must extend his 'good growth in every postcode' pledge to rural communities

Group sets out six key Andy Burnham asks to help rebalance rural Britain

Jane Thynne
clock 24 July 2026 • 4 min read