When you picture the British countryside, you probably imagine rolling green hills, open fields, and stone-walled pastures filled with grazing animals. But what many people don’t realize is that livestock farming isn’t just about producing food, it’s also essential for maintaining the land.
Cattle and sheep play a huge role in shaping and preserving the UK’s landscapes. By grazing on grass, they help maintain natural habitats, support biodiversity, and keep rural economies thriving. And since most British beef and lamb comes from grass-fed animals, it’s also a more sustainable way to produce high-quality meat.
Farming Keeps the Countryside Healthy
Farming covers about 70% of the land in the UK. That means farmers aren’t just raising food—they’re also caretakers of the environment.
In Britain, livestock farming is mostly grass-based, with cattle eating diets that are 91% grass or grass-based feeds like hay and silage. This is different from many intensive farming systems that rely on grain and soy.
Pasture-based farming is better for the land because it keeps fields open and prevents overgrowth. Many of the UK’s most important landscapes, like wildflower meadows and coastal marshes, actually depend on grazing animals. Without them, these areas would become overrun with thick brush and aggressive plants, pushing out native flowers, insects, and wildlife.
How Grazing Helps the Environment
Different animals graze in different ways, which helps keep a variety of plants and habitats in balance:
- Sheep: Sheep graze very close to the ground, which can create a neat, lawn-like effect. They also push through thick brush and can help keep small trees from taking over fields. However, they tend to target wildflowers, which can reduce plant diversity if not managed properly.
- Cattle: Cows graze by pulling up clumps of grass with their tongues, leaving behind patches of taller vegetation. This creates shelter for insects, small mammals, and wildflowers, making cattle better for maintaining diverse landscapes. Their trampling also helps keep thick brush under control.
Grazing is also an important part of hay-making. After farmers cut meadows for hay, livestock help by eating tough grasses and creating small gaps in the soil where new plants can grow. This keeps the land healthy and full of life year after year.
Why Pasture-Raised Meat Is a Sustainable Choice
Choosing pasture-raised beef and lamb isn’t just good for the countryside, it’s also a more sustainable way to raise livestock.
Because these animals eat mostly grass, farmers don’t need to rely as much on imported feed like soy or corn, which can have a big environmental impact.
Grasslands also help absorb carbon from the atmosphere, making them an important tool in the fight against climate change. And since pasture-raised animals live more natural, free-range lives, pasture-raised meat is also a better choice for animal welfare.
Looking Ahead
The British countryside is beautiful, but it doesn’t take care of itself—farmers and livestock play a crucial role in keeping it that way. By continuing to support pasture-based farming, we can ensure that these landscapes remain healthy for future generations.
For consumers, choosing pasture-raised meat is an easy way to support sustainable farming. It means better care for the environment, better animal welfare, and high-quality, nutritious food on the table.
So next time you’re looking for meat that’s raised with care, consider pasture-raised British beef and lamb—it’s a choice that’s good for both the land and the future of farming.
