Setting Up a Grazing Scheme

This section contains GAP information leaflets, publications and resources that outline some of the practical considerations of setting up a grazing scheme or project. From the practical experience of setting up schemes in the LGS Guide to the considerations of purchasing livestock and more.

Please note: We are currently in the process of reviewing and updating all our publications and we cannot currently guarantee the accuracy of all the content. Please contact the GAP office if you have any queries or concerns.

The Breed Profiles Handbook

If you are considering the right type or breed of stock to put on a site, then you can download useful sections of our Breed Profiles Handbook here. There are sections covering Cattle, Equines, Goats, Pigs and Sheep, and each one of the sections has a list of individual PDF format files for each breed, providing information such as 'Hardiness', 'Physical Attributes & Husbandry', 'Grazing Characteristics' and so on.

Use of native and non-native grazing animals: A discussion session

At a meeting in November 2003 the GAP Executive considered issues surrounding the ‘pros’ and ‘cons’ of using ‘native’ or ‘non-native’ species and breeds of grazing livestock for the management of nature conservation sites in the British Isles. This document pulls together a selection of viewpoints on this issue arising from this meeting.

DOWNLOAD FILE HERE (DOC format)

Purchasing Livestock

An overview of purchasing livestock. Including considerations for buying stock and sources of knowledgeable advice and information on costs, biosecurity, transportation and legal considerations.

DOWNLOAD FILE HERE (PDF format)

Local Grazing Schemes: A Best Practice Guide

This guide summarises the experience and practices developed by the Local Grazing Scheme Co-ordinators during the eight years of the Grazing Animals Project. The document sets out a rationale for why the work was undertaken and how it developed. The results and recommendations outline the approach taken towards the achievement of sustainable grazing at a local level by working co-operatively. 67 pages. Second edition published April 2008 (first edition published in October 2001).

DOWNLOAD FILE HERE (PDF format)

Finding a Grazier: A few ideas

This leaflet provides a few pointers and places to look for finding a grazier or stock. Please note that SheepKeep has changed its name to StockKeep. To search for a grazier or stock and register your details for free on StockKeep visit the home page or go to www.stockkeep.co.uk.

DOWNLOAD FILE HERE (PDF format)

Developing a Grazing Policy: A Checklist

This leaflet is intended as a outline and checklist of grazing related issues that could be included within a grazing policy; each situation is different and thus other information can be included for your own set up.

DOWNLOAD FILE HERE (PDF format)