UK SHEEP farming has an important role to play in addressing the climate change crisis.

That is the message which will be shared far and wide by the National Sheep Association, as it steps up its communications ahead of the upcoming COP26 climate change policy event in Glasgow.

The association believes that the UK’s predominantly extensive, grass-based system of sheep farming should be treated as distinct from the global intensive meat production that has recently attracted attention as a cause of climate change, and is looking forward to sharing information with farmers, policy makers, and other interested parties on how it believes UK agriculture can work with future farming support schemes to further reduce its carbon footprint and enhance nature for the benefit of all.

As part of its official countdown to COP26, the NSA Breakfast Club webinar series kicked off with a morning session titled 'Is shabby the new chic? An exploration of nature recovery on sheep farms'. The Nature Recovery Network is a major commitment by the UK government too expand and connect wildlife habitats to address species decline and provide wider environmental benefits.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker commented: “With Future Farming Schemes still in early stages of development and piloting, and the approaching COP26, now couldn’t present a more important time to discuss how farmers can play a part in nature and wildlife development.”

The Breakfast Club series are scheduled to take place on the first Wednesday of each month from 8.30am until approximately 9.30am and are free to attend for all interested parties who can register to join the session via the NSA website at www.nationalsheep.org.uk

Following the series, NSA looks forward to welcoming attendees to the October session that will continue the build up to COP26, this time titled: “Forgotten Faces – recognising rural culture within the climate debate.”