The iconic uplands of England and Wales are to be promoted to families holidaying in these magnificent and dramatic landscapes, following a new partnership between the NFU and Farm Stay UK.

Thousands of leaflets are being sent to 300 Farm Stay properties in areas such as the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and Dartmoor and Exmoor in a bid to educate visitors about the local areas in which they’re staying.

The leaflet, part of the NFU’s Back British Farming campaign, explains what the hills and uplands are all about, the importance of farming and why agriculture is the driving force behind the economies in some of the country’s wildest and most scenic rural areas.

Chairman of the NFU Uplands Group Robin Milton said: “Many of our most iconic landscapes provide the backdrop for the nation’s tourism industry. Millions of people visit and stay in the hills and uplands every year so it’s vital that they understand the importance of these areas being farmed environments managed by farmers 365 days a year.

“This new leaflet explains how keeping livestock on the hills is key to maintaining the character of the uplands and why hill farmers and their families are pivotal to all the activities that take place in these fragile and remote areas of the country. It also details different breeds of livestock you’re likely to see on your travels including Derbyshire Gritstone sheep in the Peak District and Welsh Black cattle in Snowdonia.

“We must ensure these iconic farmed landscapes are maintained and accessible to the public and that the farmers are treated fairly and rewarded for their hard work. So, by visiting and staying in the countryside you’ll be contributing to the local economies and farm diversification activities and at the same time, you’ll be backing British farming.”

Andy Woodward, Chief Executive Farm Stay UK, said: “Farm Stay UK is delighted to be helping the NFU highlight the importance of upland farming. We want our guests to have a great rural experience and being able to provide such a great educational tool really helps to enhance their experience. Tourism is an integral part of the rural economy, particularly in upland regions, and I hope this will help preserve this rare and beautiful landscape.”