Issue - meetings

One of the three main objectives of the current five-year Epsom and Walton Downs Habitat Management Plan (2023-2028) is to draw up a project plan to reintroduce grazing to Juniper Hill.

The grassland of Juniper Hill bears special attention as it has been considered to be the best of its type in Surrey. It is regarded by the Epsom and Ewell Local Biodiversity Action Plan working group as a top priority to conserve and enhance.

The Conservators received a report exploring the feasibility of reintroducing grazing to Juniper Hill.

The grassland of Juniper Hill bears special attention as it has been considered to be the best of its type in Surrey. It is regarded by the Epsom and Ewell Local Biodiversity Action Plan working group as a top priority to conserve and enhance.

The following matters were considered:

a)            Animal welfare. A Member of the Conservators asked who would look after the animals. The Senior Countryside Officer explained that this can be explored if Conservators agree they are happy, in principle, for grazing to be reintroduced on the downs. The Senior Countryside Officer stated that she would be looking for volunteers to help and is hoping to drum up support from local people. She explained that Epsom Common is very successful grazed, and volunteers check on the livestock every day. She acknowledged that there would be a need for some staff to overlook the site and organise, support, and manage volunteers and explained that further discussions regarding staff resource need to take place. She highlighted that staff would need to be on hand to react in case of vandalism or other issues.  

b)            Number of sheep. A Member of the Conservators asked how many sheep would be used for grazing. The Senior Countryside Officer explained that there are two options, either two or three sheep grazing constantly or you have more sheep over a shorter period of time, grazing for specific period.

c)            Sheep rustling. A Member of the Conservators raised concerns about sheep rustling. The Member highlighted that there is a concern with having predominantly volunteers dealing with the site in case of emergencies. The Senior Countryside Officer explained that the volunteers would walk the fence line every day and check it is electrified and check the condition of the animals, the water supply etc. and raise any issues for a member of staff to deal with. The Senior Countryside Officer informed the Conservators that they had discussed sheep grazing with Jenny Price, who runs the Langley Vale Woodland Trust. The Langley Vale Woodland Trust use Michael Jelly’s sheep for grazing. They have not experienced issues of sheep rustling. The Senior Countryside Officer explained that Michael Jelly’s sheep could also be used for grazing on Juniper Hill, and then as part of that arrangement, Michael would be on hand straight away if there are any issues and he would also support the day-to-day jobs and maintenance.

d)            Hiring Sheep. A Member of the Conservators queried why sheep would be hired rather than bought and asked what the cost difference is. The Senior Countryside Officer explained that the sheep can be bought but that brings in another level of responsibility and things to consider. She also explained that she would be look at and costing different options to compare and bring back to Conservators for their comments and approval.

e)            Biodiversity benefits. A Member of the Conservators expressed their support for the project and explained  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10