Sheep grazing to enhance biodiversity on Hampstead Heath
From September 11th to September 18th, Hampstead Heath, the iconic open space in north London, will welcome sheep as part of a week-long biodiversity experiment. The City of London Corporation, the charitable entity responsible for managing and preserving Hampstead Heath, aims to explore the benefits of grazing in maintaining diverse wildlife habitats. This trial employs sheep to create microhabitats through their selective feeding and social behaviors, reducing the need for heavy machinery that could harm sensitive areas.
Grazing trial
A flock of five rare-breed Norfolk Horn and Oxford Down ewes from Mudchute Farm will graze the anthill site on the Hampstead Heath Extension daily from 8 am to 7 pm, with local stabling provided. This initiative follows a successful 2019 trial, marking the return of sheep to the Heath after a hiatus since the 1950s. The project is a collaboration between the City Corporation, the Heath & Hampstead Society, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, and Heath Hands.
Ecological impact assessment
The London Natural History Society has conducted a plant life survey in the grazing area, with plans to conduct another post-grazing survey to measure ecological changes. Hampstead Heath, recognized as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, attracts over nine million visitors annually.
Project’s significance
William Upton KC, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood, and Queen’s Park Committee, expressed excitement about reintroducing grazing to create rich and diverse habitats for wildlife, a practice reminiscent of the area’s historical farming traditions. Vice-Chair of the Heath and Hampstead Society, John Beyer, emphasized the importance of sheep in managing creeping cinquefoil and other invasive plants, contributing to more ecological Heath management.
City Corporation’s commitment to green spaces
The City Corporation manages over 11,000 acres of open spaces across London and southeast England, including Epping Forest and Burnham Beeches. With an annual investment exceeding £38 million, these green spaces, many of which operate as charitable trusts, play a vital role in preserving wildlife habitats, special conservation areas, and National Nature Reserves. They also significantly contribute to carbon reduction, mitigating 44% of the City Corporation’s annual carbon footprint, and are legally protected against development.
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