University of Reading and Pasture-Fed Livestock Association CIC KTP24_25 R5

A single digital system will pull together data on carbon storage, water use, and wildlife across UK farms, giving farmers a clear picture of their land’s environmental performance. Currently, farmers collect environmental data through separate tools and spreadsheets, making it hard to see how changes in one area—like planting hedgerows—affect soil carbon or water runoff. This project builds an Integrated Data System (IDS) that combines these streams into one dashboard. The system will offer actionable insights, not just raw numbers: it might tell a farmer which field is best suited for carbon-removal practices or where to focus water management efforts. If successful, the IDS could transform how farms measure and improve their environmental impact. Instead of relying on guesswork or separate audits, farmers would have real-time, integrated feedback. This matters for supply chains, food retailers, and government agencies that need verified data on carbon removal and biodiversity recovery. The system could also help standardise how UK farms report environmental metrics, making it easier to track national progress toward net-zero and nature restoration goals. The project is applied, not fundamental—it aims to build a practical tool for immediate use.