Fury at plea to afforest half of the UK’s uplands to help tackle climate change

“In addition to capturing carbon, extensive grazing also provides varied habitats which allow for biodiversity to flourish,” he added.

In Wales, FUW president Glyn Roberts said replacing upland areas where species are reliant on grazing livestock with trees had already happened in vast areas of Wales, with ‘catastrophic consequences’.

“However, there is definitely a conversation to be had about agroforestry, which may enhance agricultural production while improving sustainability,” he added.

“Unfortunately, unfounded attacks on agriculture and concepts such as rewilding have often polarised the debate and replaced the sensible discussions we need to have about conservation, communities and agriculture being inter-related.”

Dr Julia Aglionby, of the Foundation for Common Land and Uplands Alliance, added: “The uplands is a complex and diverse place, providing multiple benefits from the same land, so broadbrush statements such as let’s plant half the uplands over-simplify the situation.

“What we need is the right tree in the right place, planting on deep peat for instance releases rather than stores carbon.

“Looking at commons, we know many blanket bogs are sequestering carbon while being grazed, enabling upland farming businesses to produce food and cultural landscapes while mitigating against climate change.”