Forage for CH4nge, a project led by Wensleydale farmer Adrian Thornton-Berry and supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, has found that sheep grazing on upland moorland in the Yorkshire Dales emit lower levels of both methane and carbon dioxide than those grazing improved lowland grassland.
Measuring emissions from 120 sheep across three pasture types, improved grassland, species-rich grassland and regenerating moorland, the research highlights how forage choice, grazing behaviour and breed type all influence greenhouse gas emissions.
The findings suggest that upland systems, particularly those using native breeds such as Swaledales and diverse forage, can play a positive role in low-impact, climate-conscious sheep farming.
The project was funded by Innovate UK and brought together farmers and scientists to better understand how traditional breeds and different pastures can help reduce the environmental impact of sheep farming.
Other partners in the project were the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust, UK Agri-Tech Centre, Scotland’s Rural College and the National Sheep Association.
The Forage for CH4nge project team visited Wensleydale Rugby Club on 12 January 2026 to meet with local farmers and members of the SWEF Farming Group to share a sneak preview of the full results ahead of publication.
The evening provided an opportunity to explore the early findings, discuss what they could mean for upland farming in practice and hear directly from researchers and farmers involved in the project.
Conversations focused on how pasture choices, heritage breeds and grazing strategies might help reduce emissions while supporting productivity, biodiversity and resilient upland systems.
