Managing the uplands: the need for a fresh approach

A ten-week government consultation which explores how England will move away from European Agricultural policy post Brexit has recently ended. The consultation has been far reaching both in terms of content and engagement, recognising a once in a lifetime opportunity to shape the English countryside for the benefit of all. Among the topics discussed has been the use of public money for public goods - and this is particularly relevant for uplands, where farm businesses often operate on extremely small profit margins. It is not un-typical for a farm to generate a profit margin of £5000 a year - that's 'take home' pay to you and I.