A manifesto for High Nature Value farming

Pat Thompson

RSPB Uplands Policy Officer

What is High Nature Value Farming?

• Farmed land

– High proportion of semi-natural vegetation

– Mosaic of low intensity agriculture

– Features such as field margins, hedgerows, walls, woodland margins, wetlands

• In UK, mostly (but not exclusively) associated with low-intensity beef and sheep farming in uplands

• Also some low input mixed/arable and coastal habitats

A shared goal – the manifesto

• Farming central to keeping these places special

• Work with communities of interest – a voice for HNV farming

• Targeted support to secure long-term viability of these precious systems

• Innovate – modern ways that work with tradition

• Secure multiple benefits of HNV

• Time to act!

Thank you!