Upland Britain and why it's so important.

The uplands are nationally and internationally important for bio diversity as well as being of significant landscape, archaeological, recreational, heritage, and natural resource value. Agricultural activity has largely shaped the upland landscape that we value so much.

Some have argued that there is no need to worry about the decline of farming in the UK, that we should instead conserve the countryside for wildlife, leisure and tourism, essentially turning the UK into a theme park. But the rural landscape of the UK is very largely a farmed landscape, created by 5,000 years of agriculture. Hay meadows, pastures and other features of the farmed landscape which have their own special ecology would be lost if the land was no longer farmed.

The Uplands give huge benefits to the public. They provide access for recreation, enjoyment and spiritual refreshment, conservation of important habitats and wildlife, some of our finest landscapes, clean drinking water, and an ability to help control flooding.

Mr Timothy Elwess, Billyards Farm

"My farm matters because it is my job. Just as anyone else who works values the quality of their work, the neatness of their workspace, the appreciation of a satisfied customer, and the conversation of a colleague, so it is for a farmer.
My fields are my office - so can you forgive us for getting so annoyed with fly tippers and unauthorised dog walkers? I for one would never let any of my animals poo in your office or garden.
Our animals are content, free from disease and enjoy a warm place to sleep and plenty of fresh air and space to run around in.
Our customer is you. Your mushy peas, fresh baked bread, breakfast cereals, butter, milk, jam, eggs and meat are second to none in the world in quality and affordability.
The small premium you pay for UK produced food ensures that animals have a decent quality of life; that the environment is managed thoughtfully and considerately; that the product you consume can be traced back to the individual farm, if not the field, where it comes from.’’

Hill farming provides breeding stock for lowland sheep flocks, and beef herds, and provides England and Wales with up to a quarter of their milk supply. This also enables grazing of land which is critical to maintain the landscape as the beautiful and natural asset that it is.