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Environmental effects of low intensity systems of animal production in the hills and uplands of the UK

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. A. Milne
J. A. Milne
Affiliation:
Macaulay Land Use Research Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH
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Abstract

The extent to which grazing intensities of animal production systems in the uplands of the United Kingdom cause impacts on vegetation, soils, birds, mammals and invertebrates, and influence landscape value and water quality are reviewed. It is argued that these impacts need to be considered in an integrated manner in relation to their responses at the field and landscape scales. Evidence is presented which suggests that a range of grazing intensities is required to obtain significant benefits to the natural heritage. This suggests that new approaches are required to the mechanisms of delivering environmental benefits from grazing systems.

Keywords

animal productionenvironmental impact
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Science , Volume 63 , Issue 3 , December 1996 , pp. 363 - 371
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1996

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