The NFU’s Uplands: A Vision for Prosperity, Stewardship and Resilience is a plan shaped by farmers, for farmers.
Built through extensive research and time spent on the ground with farmers in England’s upland areas, the vision evolved through our members’ experiences, their challenges, and successes, which are brought to life through real-life case studies.
It’s a farmer-led blueprint that reflects the realities of working in the uplands.
Protecting food production in the uplands
“Our new Uplands Vision shows how sheep grazing supports biodiversity, reduces wildfire risk, maintains natural character and delivers nutritious food for the country.”
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton
Now celebrating its tenth year, AHDB's Love Lamb Week, led this year by QMS (Quality Meat Scotland), was first launched by a Cumbrian sheep farmer, Rachel Lumley, to encourage lamb consumption during peak season. This week (1–7 September) will see lamb and the farmers and landscapes involved in its production celebrated.
NFU Livestock Board Chair David Barton said Love Lamb Week is “a great chance to celebrate the vital role sheep play in shaping our iconic landscapes, from the hills in the uplands to the rolling lowlands”.
He added: “Our new Uplands Vision shows how sheep grazing supports biodiversity, reduces wildfire risk, maintains natural character and delivers nutritious food for the country.
“It also outlines how farmers, government and environmental groups can work together to protect food production in these areas.”
AHDB has created social media content to raise awareness of the 'Make it Lamb' message, which can be accessed on the Simply Beef and Lamb and AHDB websites. Free resources – including stickers, farmgate banners and recipe leaflets – are also available to order from the AHDB website.
“The beauty of sheep is that they will thrive in difficult environments”, Stuart Loxton, NFU member based in Devon, reflected. “Around me, in Dartmoor, they play a vital role in not only keeping the Devon countryside beautiful, but also by grazing the land they keep the ground clear to reduce the risk of wildfires.”
Oli Lee, vice-chair on the NFU's Livestock Board added: “As well as producing naturally delicious meat and high-quality wool, sheep systems play a vital role here in the UK – managing the landscapes in the British countryside.”
This year also marks 75 years since British Wool was founded to support sheep farms and champion one of Britain's most remarkable natural fibres.
Activity to date
Since the launch of the NFU's Uplands Vision, we’ve been making sure our plan for the uplands is seen and heard by the people who can make change happen. This includes:
- Planning a second official launch for the North in September.
- Preparing for engagement in the Midlands, ensuring local voices are part of the conversation.
- Organising stakeholder events in Exmouth and Bodmin, to spread the messaging across regions and build wider support.
We are also using the NFU’s convening power to connect upland farmers directly with decision-makers.
Our lobbying work is central to this. This autumn, we will take our Uplands Vision report to Parliament so ministers, MPs and policymakers hear directly from upland farmers. Through real stories and first-hand experiences, we will make the case for why these farms matter and why they must be backed with robust, practical policy support.
Looking ahead
The uplands face significant challenges, from rising input costs to policy uncertainty, however, they are also full of opportunity. With the right framework, upland farms can remain at the forefront of food production, environmental recovery, and rural resilience.
Over the coming months, we will:
- Keep building political support through direct engagement with ministers, MPs, and parliamentary committees.
- Showcase the report at regional events and in national conversations.
- Work with stakeholders in farming, conservation, and rural development to align support for upland priorities.
- Continue sharing member stories that prove upland farming is productive, nature-positive, and deeply connected to communities.
Next steps
The launch was only the beginning. We are committed to turning our plan into action, securing targeted investment, clear policies, and fair recognition so upland farms can deliver even more for people, nature, and the economy.
Upland farming delivers far more than food.
It sustains rural communities, protects some of our most iconic landscapes, and provides essential environmental benefits – from carbon storage and biodiversity recovery to clean drinking water for millions of people.
It underpins a rural tourism economy worth billions and keeps farming traditions alive. These benefits are strategic national assets, and they must be recognised and supported in policy and practice.
This Uplands Vision belongs to all upland farmers. Over the coming months, we’ll keep taking your voice to Westminster and beyond, ensuring farming, nature, and rural communities can thrive together for the long-term.
