LOCAL FARMER WELCOMES GRAZING OPPORTUNITIES ON LIZARD COMMONS

Chris Oates, an organic beef farmer from the Lizard, has welcomed recent government approvals which will mean he can graze his cattle on Rosuick Common on the Lizard.

Natural England, the landowners of Gold Gothan Common, part of Rosuick Common and Main Dale Common, have now received approval to implement stock proofing measures on the commons so that grazing can be reintroduced as soon as this winter.

Chris Oates explained, "We are really excited about these approvals and will start grazing as soon as the works are completed. I will be grazing our traditional breed of organic Welsh Black cattle whose meat we supply to local schools, restaurants and through our farm shop at Rosuick Farm."

Stock proofing measures will include putting up fencing and installing cattle grids and by-pass gates. Fencing can remain in place for no longer than ten years, at which time, further Secretary of State for the Environment approvals must be sort in full consultation with interested parties and commoners.

Although fencing may appear to restrict public access to the sites, access points will be available along the roads where it is safe to install them.

Ray Lawman, Natural England Senior Reserves Manager on the Lizard explained, "I am delighted that permission to start works on the commons have come through. We will have the infrastructure in place by this winter so grazing can start.

Grazing in these areas will help improve species diversity, especially when followed up with controlled burning on the heathland. This is recognized best management practice for heathlands and we hope to encourage species which haven't been seen for a long time, such as orchids, to reappear. We will also be leaving some taller scrub areas in place for breeding birds."

The infrastructure will be funded by the HEATH (Heathland, Environment, Agriculture, Tourism and Heritage) project. The HEATH project, a transnational project, is working with heathland owners, managers and farmers on the Lizard to help with the re-introduction of grazing, archaeological understanding and economic development of heathland. It aims to help landowners, managers and farmers restore neglected heathland in a sustainable way to achieve its full potential for wildlife. It is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the EU Interreg Fund.

Steve Clarke, Natural England "Landscapes for Biodiverity Project Manager responsible for the HEATH project commented, â??Itâ??s great these approvals have come through and we will be able to not only see the environmental benefits to the land, through the introduction of grazing, but also help a local farmer by providing grazing opportunities."