Introduction of conservation grazing to common land in north Hampshire

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The situation:

The heathland common ​would benefit greatly from conservation grazing, but was unfenced and had no recent history of having livestock.

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The task:

Design a fencing and grazing scheme to maximise the conservation benefit, but minimise the impact on neighbours and visitors.​

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My actions:

Undertook a comprehensive consultation with local people and stakeholders, following Natural England best practise and including site meetings, workshops and surveys. Designed and modified fencing scheme, including cattle grids and automatic gates to achieve a win-win. Applied to DEFRA to install fencing on the common.

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The result:

A successful application to DEFRA with no objections from local people or stakeholders. Fencing installed and a suitable grazing regime introduced.