Sheep to be grazed on Barnett Hill Fields

The Parish Council is finalising arrangements with Surrey Wildlife Trust to graze sheep, owned by the Trust, for a few weeks in the spring and autumn.  This has been successfully trialled on adjacent fields and would help control ragwort at the rosette stage, as well as improving the botanical diversity and health of the fields in general, and also providing improved pollinator and small mammal habits, by maintaining varied sward heights.

The Parish Council is keen ensure walkers can still access the field margins, so additional fencing and signage will be needed for sheep and walker safety. DOGS with be required to be on leads whilst sheep are present; this is of course already expected in the bird nesting season from 1^st March to 31^st July.