Natural England and Ricardo are working together to support the outdoor pig sector.
Their collaborative work offers clear, practical guidance that helps farmers and the wider supply chain manage environmental impacts while maintaining high animal welfare standards and ensuring business viability.
The project aims to raise awareness, share best practice, and support the outdoor pig sector through straightforward actions that improve soil, water, air, and climate outcomes.
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This video includes insights from MKD Farm in Norfolk, run by Mike and Kim Durrant, who produce pigs for Pilgrims Europe and have been undertaking a range of solutions to manage impacts on the environment.
Hear about the success and benefits they are seeing from implementing sustainable practices on farm.
Introduction
Outdoor pig farming is rapidly expanding in the UK, creating exciting opportunities for farmers, landowners and the wider supply chain from premium markets to flexible land-use arrangements within crop rotations.
However, with opportunity comes responsibility. Outdoor systems can support biodiversity and soil health, yet they also pose risks such as nutrient runoff, soil erosion, and ammonia emissions. These can impact water quality, air quality, soil health, climate and local ecosystems if not managed effectively.
This series of downloadable guides is designed to help outdoor pig farmers take practical steps to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining animal welfare and business viability.
Context and challenges
Understand the environmental footprint of outdoor pig farming with a focus on water, air, soil and climate.
Action pages
8 practical strategies to mitigate emissions, protect soil, and safeguard biodiversity.
