There is a danger that these farms will be swallowed up into larger units, thus aggravating the problem of rural depopulation. Last year the NFU warned that even if 1996 HLCA rates remained unchanged that hill farmers' incomes would fall dramatically. Using the above assumptions, the outlook is for real incomes in the hills to fall to their lowest levels yet. Many LFA farmers with incomes below these average levels will be experiencing negative cash flows this year. The uplands derive their traditional character from farming in a harsh environment.
Farmers have few choices, livestock production being the only viable option for most.
On the high hill only the hardiest sheep can graze yet this grazing creates the open rolling scenery of purple heather and grass moor that draws so many to visit the uplands. Further down the hill greater shelter allows suckler cows to graze alongside sheep often in enclosed fields of partially improved 'in-bye'. Fields are often divided by dry stone walls, a testament to the skill of wall building and a pragmatic reflection of the harsh climate. Hill farming is the landscape of our National Parks. In all National Parks the park authorities work closely with the farming community seeking consensus about land management to ensure that the Parks retain their environmental, social and economic vitality.