Sheep producers warned undergrazing could kill hill farms

Undergrazing of fell land will continue to have serious consequences for the future of hill farming, warned Alan Alderson, chairman of the Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association.

“The high risk of moorland fires and the long-term damage they would inflict on fell grazing, as well as the gradual breakdown of the hefting system, are two threats linked to the policy of reduced stocking and undergrazing,” said Mr Alderson, at last week’s North Sheep event.

See also: Latest sheep farming news

“Undergrazing continues to be a problem because of the small number of sheep now grazing the fells in the winter.”
Alan Alderson, Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association

“Undergrazing continues to be a problem because of the small number of sheep now grazing the fells in the winter. The grasses and heathers are too deep for stock to gaze and as a result I fear we are facing a serious fire risk.

“If undergrazed fell land catches fire the grasses and heather could burn for weeks underground. We had a fire like that when I was a small child and it has taken more than 50 years for the ground to green over again because the damage was so severe.”

But Mr Alderson also expressed deep concern over the future of the hefting system of upland flocks.

“It is well on the way to being destroyed because enough sheep aren’t grazed on the fells in the winter. These hefts were built over generations and should be regarded as the ancient monuments of our hills.

“There is no doubt that in the future hill farmers will need help to rebuild these hefts,” he added.