Grazing for Biodiversity Project, in North East Hampshire

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has launched an exciting new Project in the north and east of Hampshire which will see large areas of conservation land being managed using grazing. The land in the Project is a combination of existing reserves that are either owned or managed by the Wildlife Trust, and also land owned by the Ministry of Defence. The two organisations have formed a partnership which will allow the Trust to graze not only their own sites but also those owned by the MoD. This partnership allows, for the first time in the area, conservation grazing to be looked at in a new and productive way. As well as large areas of heathland and grassland, the Trust has also secured good quality winter grazing which provides flexibility and security for livestock to over-winter near by if needed.

North Hampshire is fortunate to be rich in fantastic wildlife sites, many of which benefit from being grazed. Unfortunately the area has seen a decline in livestock farming so many conservation managers are struggling to find the appropriate livestock that they so desperately need to assist them with the management of their sites. The Project is currently looking into suitable livestock owners who want to get involved and can benefit. Long term we also plan to look into local produce marketing and setting up viable grazing schemes. Imagine how great it would be to be able to buy quality conservation-grade meat that was grown on your local heathland and was stocked in your local butchers?

The Project is also working hard to involve local people in the Project to get involved for lots of different things, including hearing your opinions about the site, checking the wellbeing of livestock, perhaps putting up posters and also in the winter we will be holding practical tasks out on the heath too. A guided walk at Velmead Common, on 12th August, had an excellent turn out from local people and so started this positive process of getting to know each other. If you would like to get involved or to find out more why not contact Laura Willing, Grazing Project Officer on LauraW@hwt.org.uk or 01489 774434