Dog owners warned as sheep return to British Camp - The Malvern Observer

Dog owners warned as sheep return to British Camp

Malvern Editorial 4th Jan, 2018   0

THE GROUP which manages the Malvern Hills is urging dog owners to take extra case as sheep have returned to graze on British Camp.

Sheep are an important part of the management to conserve the rare grassland habitats and the iconic ancient monument which can be found there.

 

British Camp is one of the most popular places for visitors on the hills and during this time, the Malvern Hills Trust is asking those with dogs take extra care.




The ewes on British Camp are pregnant and due to lamb in the spring.

Sheep worrying, including chasing, is a criminal offence and could also cause sheep to abort their lambs.


Signage has been placed around British Camp and the car park to remind visitors sheep are grazing in the area.

The trust is asking all dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead to remove the risk of livestock worrying to keep sheep safe and minimise distress.

A trust spokesperson said: “Sheep grazing on British Camp will help to stop the invasion of scrub and trees onto the Iron Age hill fort by eating new growth.

“The flock will be within a temporary electric-fenced enclosure to concentrate their efforts on the archaeological monument.

“Without this traditional management of grazing livestock, trees and scrub would cover the hill fort making it impossible for visitors to see and making access very difficult too.

“The roots of the invading vegetation would also damage the 2,000-year-old archaeology beneath the soil.”

If members of the public do witness a dog worrying livestock, the trust is asking people to contact the police on 101 in the first instance to report the incident.

They are also asking witnesses to call the trust on 01684 892002 so the grazier can be contacted and locate any injured sheep so the animal can receive treatment as quickly as possible.

Much of the hills and commons are registered as Common Land and the grazing of sheep and cattle has been carried out there for centuries.

The almost continuous presence of livestock on the Malvern Hills has resulted in the habitats and wildlife seen today.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Malvern Observer newspaper.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Malvern Observer.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.