Working with two local trusted vets, the Farmer Network and the Foundation for Common Land
coordinated a 14-month project to address sheep health issues on Ingleborough and Brant Fell.

The project was led by Dalehead Veterinary Group (Ingleborough) and Farmgate Vets (Brant Fell) with both being well respected in these farming communities. The project demonstrated that engaging groups of neighbouring farmers in discussions around sheep health issues is highly beneficial. Coordination with farming neighbours is crucial for tackling and preventing conditions such as sheep scab particularly on common land, but the sharing of knowledge and experiences between farmers is also important for helping treat other livestock health issues.

This project highlighted that overuse of chemical treatments is an unnecessary cost to farm businesses and can drive the development of resistance to common parasites. Targeted, strategic treatments following accurate diagnostic testing are valuable tools for farmers to reduce costs and improve their productivity, leading to more resilient and sustainable farm businesses.

This project was part of Our Common Cause: Our Upland Commons, which was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund (thanks to National Lottery players) along with grants from Esmée Fairbairn and Garfield Weston Foundations.

Download the Sheep Health Project Report here