Farmers warn destocking sheep from uplands is leading to 'increased' wildfire risks

Farmers have argued sheep grazing plays a 'vital role' in controlling the risk of wildfires

Chris Brayford
clock • 10 min read
"From my experience, reducing the stocking rates and less management of the land will continue to provide a potential fireload for extreme wildfires, which will unfortunately continue to increase in their severity. By grazing the grassland and encouraging fresh green growth then the potential for wildfires is reduced."
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"From my experience, reducing the stocking rates and less management of the land will continue to provide a potential fireload for extreme wildfires, which will unfortunately continue to increase in their severity. By grazing the grassland and encouraging fresh green growth then the potential for wildfires is reduced."

Destocking sheep from upland areas has been attributed as a cause of recent wildfire incidents, according to farmers and politicians. Sheep farming charity the National Sheep Association said a 'worrying...

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