Studland Common Grazing Project

As you might know, the Parish Council has taken the decision to reintroduce grazing onto Studland Common.  The ponies currently grazing on the Meadow will be taken off on the 1st October, and towards the end of the year the Common will be re-fenced to make the whole common stock-proof.

 

Early in 2013, up to four Dexter cattle will be put onto one or other of the grazing compartments and will be there for a few months each year (total of 4 month’s).  The two compartments will not be grazed at the same time, so that those walkers who do not wish to walk in the compartments with the cattle have alternative footpaths to use.

 

Later this year, previously flailed grassland will be re-flailed back to the higher scrub of about three years ago to help recover the grassland habitat.  A central block of about .5ha will also form part of the first years work, but this might not be undertaken until the autumn/winter of 2013.

 

Full details of the first years’ work and the rest of the ten-year programme is contained in a new booklet, which can be downloaded from the link below.  These booklets are being distributed to properties surrounding the Common and will also be made available to everyone interested in the conservation grazing project from the Parish Office during normal opening hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 10am and Noon and on a Wednesday 2 till 4pm).

 

To read the full 'Studland Common Grazing Project' booklet, please go to following link and hit the 'Stdland Project' button: www.milfordcv.org/publications