What Would Happen to the British Landscape If Everyone Became Vegan?

The idea of a fully vegan Britain is gaining traction as interest in sustainable and ethical eating continues to rise. 

But have you ever stopped to consider what the British countryside would look like if everyone made the switch to aals plant-based diet?

Some years ago a vegan said to me that she looked forward to the time when everyone as vegan and she would be able to see cows and sheep grazing in fields and know that they would be safe from anyone eating them.

When I pointed out to her that under those circumstances there would be no animals in the fields as farmers would only be growing vegetable crops, she was genuinely taken aback as she hadn't taken that into consideration. 

Over the years I have thought about how our landscape would change if everyone became vegan, which is why I have written this blogpost.

Farms, fields, and food systems would all undergo dramatic changes. In this post, we’ll explore the likely outcomes for the British landscape—both positive and negative—if the entire population went vegan.

The Positive Landscape Changes

1. Less Land Needed for Agriculture

One of the most significant changes would be a reduction in the amount of land needed to produce food. Animal agriculture is land-intensive. Grazing pastures, feed crops, and infrastructure for livestock take up around 85% of UK agricultural land—yet meat and dairy provide only about 32% of the calories we consume.

With no need for livestock, vast areas could be rewilded or used more efficiently for growing crops for human consumption.

2. Biodiversity Restoration

Rewilding previously grazed land would create opportunities to restore natural habitats. Native wildlife, such as red squirrels, pine martens, birds of prey, and pollinators, could return in greater numbers. Reintroducing woodland and wetlands could also boost biodiversity and help restore ecological balance.

3. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Livestock farming contributes significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions—two potent greenhouse gases. A fully vegan Britain could cut agricultural emissions drastically, making it easier to meet climate targets and improve overall air quality.

4. Cleaner Rivers and Soils

The end of large-scale livestock farming would mean a reduction in slurry runoff, antibiotic residues, and overgrazing—all of which currently damage river ecosystems and soil health. This could lead to cleaner waterways, healthier fish populations, and more fertile land.

The Potential Drawbacks

1. Loss of Traditional Farming Landscapes

Iconic British scenes—rolling green pastures with grazing sheep, dry stone walls, and centuries-old farm buildings—are tied to livestock farming. If meat and dairy production ceased, many of these cultural landscapes might disappear or be radically altered.

2. Impact on Rural Economies

Many rural communities rely on livestock farming for income, employment, and local identity. A transition to plant-based agriculture or conservation-based land use would require significant investment in retraining, support, and infrastructure. Without this, some areas could face economic decline.

3. Over-Reliance on Imported Crops

Although the UK can grow a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and grains, some key vegan staples—like soya, nuts, and certain legumes—are often imported. If not managed carefully, a shift to 100% veganism could increase dependence on overseas agriculture, raising questions about food security and carbon footprints.

4. Land Use Dilemmas

Not all agricultural land in the UK is suitable for growing crops. Upland regions, such as the Scottish Highlands or parts of Wales, are better suited to grazing than arable farming. Without livestock, some of these areas may be underutilised unless rewilded or repurposed in other innovative ways.

5. Unexpected impacts

Wool is used in the making of clothing and also for insulation material for eco-friendly construction. The lack of wool would result in the use of man made fibres which might have knock-on impacts on broader society. 

Finding a Balanced Future

While a vegan Britain would bring sweeping environmental benefits, it also presents logistical, cultural, and economic challenges. Some experts argue that a mixed system—one that dramatically reduces but doesn't eliminate animal agriculture—might offer the best of both worlds.

This could involve:

Reducing meat consumption rather than total elimination.

Supporting regenerative and low-impact farming.

Using marginal land for sustainable grazing.

Combining rewilding with food production.

Conclusion

A fully vegan Britain would transform our landscapes, likely for the better in terms of environmental impact. However, the transition would not be without its costs. Thoughtful planning, support for rural communities, and sustainable land management would be essential to make such a vision work in practice.

Whether you're an advocate for plant-based living or simply curious about the future of food and farming, it’s clear that our dietary choices shape more than just our health—they sculpt the very land we live on.

What are your thoughts? Would you like to see more plant-based farming in the UK? Share your views in the comments below!