|
|
|
New Sheep Scheme for SSSIs
Jun 5, 2003
The new scheme is funded out of the Sheep National Envelope, and will be used to reduce overgrazing on upland SSSIs, as well as to reduce undergrazing on lowland SSSIs. Clearly, they have not thought about undergrazing on Upland SSSI's, which is a real problem in the North York Moors. I imagine that it will be adminstered in a similar fashion to the WES scheme, which is a rather arbitrary arrangement between selected farmers and English Nature. Contact DEFRA or English Nature for furtherdetails.
More information from EN:
The Sheep National Envelope (SNE). The SNE is a flexible fund available
under the EC Sheepmeat Regulations, which may be used at the discretion
of member states in a number of ways; these include topping up premium
payments, supporting the development of the industry and addressing
environmental concerns. The new Sheep Wildlife Enhancement Scheme
(SWES) is funded by the SNE. SWES is administered by English Nature,
and sheep farmers are paid for sustainable farming practices, launched
on May 27th. Funding in 2003/4 is £2.5m and in 2004/5 £3m.
Upland example: reducing sheep grazing - Long Mynd SSSI in Shropshire.
Long Mynd is a large upland common of roughly 2,250ha, with a range of
upland habitats, particularly dry heath including heather. The site did
have very high sheep grazing levels, plus pony and cattle grazing.
There was approximately 5.5 sheep per hectare in 1992. This was
seriously affecting the condition on the plants, grazing them to a very
low and uniform level and stopping many flowering. The grazing level is
now approximately 1.5 sheep per hectare. This 70% reduction has led to
recovery of the habitats - particularly the heather moorland that is
now growing and flowering vigorously. We have now been able to
re-establish heather management. This change has been achieved by the
use of various schemes and in conjunction with the commoners and the
National Trust. It demonstrates the benefits of grazing levels that
allow upland habitats to flourish.
Lowland example: re-introducing sheep grazing - Boxley Warren, part of
Wouldham to Detling Escarpment SSSI, in Kent. A 10ha piece of chalk
grassland that was losing its chalk grassland plants due to more than
90% scrub invasion. Following fencing, scrub clearance and introduction
of sheep grazing a good chalk grassland flora is starting to
re-establish including the rare ground pine which relies on sheep
grazing to survive.
For more information on other details of the National Sheep Envelope,
please contact the Defra Press Office.
|
