A new briefing from the European Environment Agency (EEA), published on 15 April 2026, highlights that low-intensity grazing is crucial for maintaining a significant share of Europe’s protected natural environments. According to the report, one in three habitats protected under EU law depends on extensive grazing practices.
The study estimates that around 10–15% of all cattle, sheep, and goats in the European Union are sufficient to sustain these habitats—provided they are properly distributed. This equals roughly 7.8 million animals across EU countries.
Why extensive grazing matters
Over recent decades, economic pressures and technological advancements have driven a shift toward intensive farming systems, where livestock are often kept indoors year-round. As a result, traditional grazing practices have declined, leading to the abandonment of many habitats that rely on grazing to survive.
The EEA report, Extensive livestock systems and nature in Europe, reveals that habitats benefiting from grazing or mowing cover at least 35 million hectares—about 22% of the EU’s total farmland.
Decline of traditional systems
Between 2010 and 2020, the number of extensive and mixed livestock farms dropped by more than 70%, according to the European Commission. Intensive farming is now concentrated in highly productive areas, while extensive systems remain mostly in remote or less fertile regions.
This mismatch between where animals are raised and where grazing is needed increases the risk that grazing-dependent habitats will be abandoned.
Benefits for biodiversity
Grazing animals—such as cattle, sheep, goats, and even horses—play a vital ecological role. Historically, they replaced large wild herbivores like aurochs and bison, helping shape Europe’s landscapes.
Their grazing creates a diverse mix of vegetation types, supports wildflowers, and maintains grasslands. Activities like trampling and digging also create habitats for insects, while animal dung provides food for many species.
Grasslands are especially dependent on these practices:
- 92% of protected butterfly species in EU law rely on extensively managed grasslands
- Many protected meadow birds depend on permanent grassland habitats
- Grasslands host 18.1% of Europe’s endemic plant species
- Heaths and shrublands support another 15.5%
Policy implications
The findings come as the European Commission develops a new livestock strategy aimed at improving sustainability and resilience in the sector. The EEA briefing suggests that well-planned grazing could benefit not only agriculture but also biodiversity and ecosystem health.
It also supports broader EU initiatives, including the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Nature Restoration Regulation.
In summary: Extensive grazing is not just a farming method—it is a key tool for conserving Europe’s natural heritage.
