A hill farmer from North Yorkshire, David is immediate past NFU County Chairman for North Riding and Durham and sits on Defra's Farmer Uplands Working Group. He farms on severely disadvantaged land within the North York Moors National Park, participating in numerous environmental schemes. The farm supports beef cattle and free range laying hens. David is a past Nuffield Scholar, having studied "The Marketing of Light Lambs in Southern Europe." He is also a member of the NFU Hill Farm Advisory Panel and NFU National Council.

Study Area

David is undertaking a study into the management of the uplands where it has been suggested that appropriate management techniques can make the difference between carbon sequestration and significant carbon losses. Focusing on Peatlands as the most valuable ecosystem with regard to climate change, his study will spotlight the potential green house gas benefits of altering management practices. These will range from optimum stocking densities, thus minimising overgrazing and erosion, to drainage techniques. Whilst much research exists concerning what needs to be done to maximise carbon sequestration and minimise carbon emissions, David will attempt to suggest practical methods by which this can be achieved.