Uplands Review: a report on upland communities in England

This independent review, led by Dr Hilary Cottam, was commissioned by Defra to explore the challenges facing England's upland farmers and upland communities, and identify opportunities for change. The review was supported by Defra's Policy Design Lab. It involved farmers, environmentalists, community members and leaders, academics and officials from multiple government departments.

This report sets out the findings from the review. It provides research findings and 19 insights which are intended to help Defra deliver system-level change that will support lasting transformation in upland communities. The work on Dartmoor and in Cumbria announced by the Environment Secretary at the Oxford Farming Conference in January 2026 will be based on the findings from this work. The insights set out will form the basis for community-led experiments and work that will drive transformative policy and place-based change.

The views expressed in this report are those of Hilary Cottam, or the perception of those interviewed. They are based on what was heard during the review and are not the view of Defra or the Arms Length Bodies mentioned, and they are not national policy.