Wensleydale farmers produce 'carbon neutral beef'.

A WENSLEYDALE farming couple are now producing certified ‘carbon neutral beef’ after making a raft of changes to their operations.

A carbon audit proved the catalyst for big changes to Jenny and Lenny Bowes' upland farming system at Raisgill.

The couple, tenants of the 600 acre Ghyll Bank Farm, have cut sheep numbers by half to 500 breeding ewes while being on course to double the beef cattle herd to 150 animals.

They have stopped using bought-in fertiliser and feed, adopted new grassland management aided by GPS technology abd changed sheep breeds to lamb later and outside.

The couple has also created three flower and herb rich meadows, and put together a plan for planting trees and hedges.