Pig and Poultry Farming in UK: Massive Environmental Toll Uncovered in New Report

August 29, 2025
Pig and Poultry Farming in UK: Massive Environmental Toll Uncovered in New Report
  • A report by the Wildlife Trusts highlights that pig and poultry farming in the UK significantly harms the environment, producing waste equivalent to 4,160 Olympic-sized swimming pools annually and requiring extensive land use, especially in areas like Breckland and South Norfolk.

  • Over a third of the UK's wheat crop is used for pig and poultry feed, involving heavy land, fertilizers, and pesticides, which further contribute to environmental degradation.

  • Many farms operate outside existing environmental regulations, especially in England, with inadequate oversight leading to increased pollution risks, notably in the River Wye catchment.

  • Despite regulations, numerous pig and poultry farms, particularly breeding sows, operate outside environmental permitting rules, complicating pollution management, especially in hotspots like the River Wye.

  • High levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from manure cause pollution in rivers and threaten freshwater ecosystems, with impacts most severe in concentrated farming hotspots.

  • The industry breeds around 11 million pigs and 1.1 billion chickens annually, with large concentrations in regions like Yorkshire, Humberside, Midlands, Powys, and Northern Ireland, where environmental impacts are especially severe.

  • These concentrated production hotspots pose significant threats to water quality and biodiversity, highlighting the environmental toll of intensive farming.

  • Conservationists are calling for government and industry support to transition to sustainable, integrated farming systems that can improve water quality and help meet environmental targets.

  • The report stresses the importance of nutrient management plans and reforming permitting regimes, with government backing to facilitate farmers' shift to more sustainable practices.

  • While regulatory updates and increased inspections are underway, enforcement gaps remain, especially concerning breeding sows and sector-wide feed production impacts.

  • Many farms, especially in the River Wye catchment, operate outside environmental regulations, increasing pollution risks and limiting oversight.

  • The environmental impact of feed production, including pesticide use on associated land, remains largely unregulated and unreported.

  • The UK government has committed to improving waterway health through updated farming water rules, increased inspections, and support for sustainable farming practices.

Summary based on 3 sources


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