THE Malvern Hills Trust has turned to cutting-edge technology to restore and maintain the ecosystems on the hills and commons.
A small remote controlled mower has been used to manage scrub growing on the ancient monument of British Camp.
The Malvern Hills Trust, formerly the Conservators, undertakes a programme of practical work each winter to maintain the grassland habitats which are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
A Trust statement said: “Tree clearance is focused on where the vegetation is having a detrimental impact on the rare grassland, archaeology, geology, views and access and sites are carefully selected each year.
“Practical management is in addition to the grazing livestock which takes place all year round.
“Cattle and sheep nibble off the new growth and young saplings once an area has been cleared to keep it open.
“Without this ongoing work, the whole of the Hills would eventually become wooded and many of the things that people come here to see, including the views, would be lost.”
Trust chiefs added the work was essential to maintain the open grasslands which could be overtaken by scrub and trees.
“Where once the Hills were almost completely free of trees, one third of the Malvern Hills is now woodland, a habitat which supports a wide range of species from birds to rare bats,” the statement said.
“Conserving the woodland on the lower slopes of the Malvern Hills provides a home for these species whilst the upper hills are managed as open grassland for the benefit of people, wildlife and cultural heritage.”
