ON GOING WORK BY THE DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST
| Published: 18th September 2007 13:52 |
CHARITY PLANS TO SECURE RARE HEATH
18th September, 2007
As part of Devon Wildlife Trust's (DWT) ongoing work to protect the remaining heathland of the Bovey Basin, new fencing is being proposed for part of Chudliegh Knighton Heath in order that it can be kept in good condition.
The compartment in question is the last remaining part of the 42 hectare site; which is managed by DWT and owned by WBB Minerals; to be fenced. Consent and support from local people with commoners rights, Hennock Parish Council, WBB Minerals and Natural England has been already been gained.
Grazing using local hardy breeds of cattle improves the structure of the heathland vegetation and limits the invasion of scrub which degrades the habitat. The fencing is imperative to ensure the safety of the stock. Currently without grazing in place to keep on top of this constant threat, DWT has to carry out expensive contract work or ask volunteers to help cut down the encroaching trees and bushes by hand.
Andrew Bakere, DWT Nature Reserves Officer said: ‘This will be a major boost for the reserve which over the past year has undergone a great deal of management work to get the site into its current state. Also during this time we have opened up the site to the public as well as put in some new ponds to help increase the numbers of great crested newts on the reserve. This new work will give us more options to move cattle around the site, reduce the manual labour required to manage it as well as make the site better for both people and wildlife.'
For more information about the site and planned work, contact Andrew Bakere on 01392 279244.
