Iping and Trotton Commons Proposed Grazing Scheme Frequently Asked Questions
How many cattle are being proposed?
The density of animals used for conservation grazing on heathland is far lower than you would normally see on a farm field. We expect that on the 220acres (90ha) of Iping Common we would start a grazing scheme with about 15 animals, slowly building up the numbers if necessary, while we assess the grazing impacts and benefits. We do not anticipate the number would exceed 30 as this will be determined by the conservation needs of the site and not commercial considerations.
Would there be enough for the cattle to eat?
The Trust uses a traditional breed of cattle, called British White. They were specifically bred to browse on a mixture of shrubs, and grasses, so it sometimes appears that they have nothing to eat compared to a farmer’s field whereas in fact they have plenty to eat. Because we are not fattening the cattle up for market or for producing milk, they sometimes appear thinner than most people are used to, but they are still very healthy. In harsh weather, the animals are given mineral licks to make sure they have all the nutrients they need.
Would bulls or calves be used to graze Iping?
No, we tend to use heifers (females cows) and steers (neutered males).
Would ponies or horses be used?
We may wish to supplement the cattle grazing with Exmoor, Dartmoor or New Forest ponies as they are good at feeding on rough grasses such as the Purple Moor Grass found on the heaths. Before any introduction of ponies was considered we would consult with the local riders to address any concerns. In any case stallions would not be used and we would discourage people from feeding the ponies. Under these conditions, ponies are grazed successfully on heathland sites open to the public elsewhere.
Who looks after the livestock?
The Trust employs a Grazing Officer and an assistant who are responsible for our livestock. Other staff and local volunteers also help check the cattle and gates daily. Water troughs would be provided in addition to natural water supplies.
Would there be livestock all year round?
No the periods that livestock would be on site would vary in the same way that they currently do on Stedham. Signs with contact details for the Grazing Officer would be put up on gates advising when stock was to be present. Bridle gates would be locked open when livestock are not present.
Would dogs have to be kept on leads?
No, we have found on Stedham and other nature reserves that with the British White cattle this is not necessary.
If dogs have to be kept to paths during the bird breeding season, why do cattle not cause harm?
Birds and other wildlife see dogs as predators and so will try to escape, even if the dogs are friendly. Cattle and ponies are not predators and the wildlife does not react in the same way. It is not likely that Cattle or ponies will trample a bird nest or any other wildlife due to the low density and slow movement of livestock.
Why is dog mess harmful to the heathland and cattle/pony dung not?
Dog mess that is not picked up brings nutrients (waste food) onto the common from outside. This changes the vegetation from nutrient poor heather communities to coarse grasses, bramble and other non-heathland vegetation better adapted to high nutrient concentrations in the soil. The dung from grazing animals is only made up from materials that are taken in by the grazing animals from the heath itself. Some of the nutrients are used to promote growth of the livestock themselves and to provide their energy so the remaining low-nutrient dung does not add to the nutrient status of the heath. Also cattle in particular tend to dung more in the wooded areas of the heath where they lay up at night. Cattle and pony manure does not pose a health risk to children whereas dog mess from un-wormed dogs poses the threat of Toxicaria. Most dog walkers are responsible and worm their dogs regularly and pick up on the common.
Won’t fencing put people off from coming to Iping Common?
Some people have expressed their view that fencing the common will make it much less welcoming. This is a valid opinion. The Trust would try to address this fear by putting gates on all existing pathways to and from the Common and by having the fence as close to the perimeter as possible. The fence would be hidden as vegetation soon grows up around it (as on Stedham Common).
Won’t gates be difficult for some people to use?
Some people have suggested that the gates would be too difficult to open for the young, elderly and riders. The type of bridle gates that are being proposed are designed to be easy to open by all and Trust Officers would be happy to meet anyone who is concerned about this so we can look at improvements to the current design of gates at Stedham. Mounting blocks or stumps or earth banks could be provided to help riders re-mount their horses, if required. On access points with no equestrian use kissing gates are proposed.
Won’t cattle frighten people and stop them enjoying the common?
We understand that some people have fears about cattle. Most incidents elsewhere have involved bulls or cows with young calves in farm fields crossed by footpaths. Despite the number of paths in the countryside that are used by walkers, such incidents are rare, and on Iping, no bulls or young calves are proposed. The cattle we use are chosen for two reasons: They are very docile and ignore people and dogs; and they are bred to browse on what might be considered to be “poor” conditions such as heathlands. If a grazing scheme goes ahead we would offer some “meet the cattle days”, in which visitors could approach livestock in a controlled situation.
Fencing is expensive; couldn’t the money be better spent elsewhere?
A rough estimate of the cost of gates and fencing Iping and Trotton Commons would be in the region of £40-50, 000. If it goes ahead, the work would help support a local fencing business. The Sussex Wildlife Trust would apply for a grant from Natural England under the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme (HLS) as well as other sources for the works. The HLS is only available to landowners for wildlife improvements and would be through a competitive process. Natural England would decide if the project was a priority. The Trust believes that the fencing would be value for money in terms of the biodiversity improvements that grazing would bring.
How long would the fencing last?
The fence on Stedham Common has been up for 13 years now with only minor repairs being required. We would estimate that a well erected fence with quality materials would last at least 20 years. If grazing were to permanently cease for whatever reason we would remove the fence, so it is not left to decay.
What materials would be used to construct the fence?
The proposed fencing would be the same design as on Stedham Common. Chestnut posts with wire stock netting and two strands of plain wire along the top. This is approximately 1.1m high.
Would the fence act as a barrier for other wildlife?
The stock netting can be erected upside down so the larger squares of netting are at the bottom. This would allow more easy passage through by ground birds and small mammals.
Due to the undulating ground, there are plenty of gaps under the fence for any foxes and badgers to go through. Using plain wire with a good gap between it and the top of the netting reduces any risk of deer being caught on the fence. This would be kept under review and deer jumps be put in if required (top timber rails in deer crossing places).
See the sheet entitled “Draft details for fence and gate consultation” for more detail on the specification of the proposed fence and gates.
Deadline for comments is Monday 24 February 2014 either complete an online comments form, e-mail to or letter to Gemma Harding, Sussex Wildlife Trust, Woods Mill, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9SD.
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