UK sheep farming is in decline as lambs disappear from hills and plates

The shift on the hills

If you’ve ever imagined the iconic, rolling green hills of the Yorkshire Dales, you’ve probably pictured sheep grazing behind drystone walls. But that vibe is shifting—and fast. Neil Heseltine, who has farmed at Hill Top Farm in Malhamdale for four generations, has pivoted his business entirely. Where he once kept over 800 lambing sheep, he’s now down to just 45, opting instead for a herd of 300 cattle that are cheaper and easier to manage.

He’s not the only one. Across the UK, the national flock has dropped to 30.4 million, numbers we haven't seen since the mid-20th century. Breeding ewes are at their lowest point in living memory, hitting just 14.7 million.

Why is the shepherd's life getting harder?

Real talk: being a shepherd is grueling. Between rising costs for fuel and fodder—with hay prices jumping from £75 to £155 a tonne in just a year—farmers are feeling the squeeze. Meanwhile, the average age of a British farmer is 60, and many young people are choosing different career paths because the margins are just too thin.

Post-Brexit trade deals with Australia and New Zealand have also opened the door to more imported lamb, adding pressure to local producers. Plus, government subsidies are changing. We're seeing a move away from payments based on livestock volume and toward "farming for nature." For example, new incentives encourage grazing with cattle and ponies instead of sheep, as cows don't graze as close to the ground, allowing more biodiversity to flourish.

Are we still eating lamb?

It’s not just the farmers changing their tune; it’s our dinner plates, too. Lamb consumption has plummeted over the last 50 years. In 1980, the average UK household ate 128g of sheep meat per week. In 2024, that dropped to a mere 23g. Many now see lamb as a "special occasion" meat, while more affordable white meats like chicken have become the daily go-to.

Why it matters

We’ve officially hit what some call "peak sheep." This isn't just about what's for Sunday roast; it’s about the future of the British landscape. If the industry continues to contract, it could fundamentally change the look of the Highlands, the Dales, and the Lake District. As farmers like James Foster put it, the industry is trying to adapt, but with government support moving toward nature recovery rather than traditional livestock, the future of this ancient way of life is lowkey uncertain.