RESIDENTS are split over plans to graze cattle on Kingwood Common.
The land would have to be fenced in order to put six cows on it for six to eight weeks from both March to May and September to November in a bid to encourage heathland.
But the plans, which were drawn up by the Commons Conservators group and the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust, must have public support.
At a meeting of Peppard Parish Council on Monday last week, Nigel Wooding, who chairs the council’s commons committee, was jeered from the public gallery when he announced the results of public consultation in July.
He said: “The view was taken that, on balance, more people were supporting the project or not expressing a view.”
Councillor Tony Cotton said: “I am amazed by the amount of obfuscation with the facts. If we drill down into what people object to, it is the fence. There are people for and against the maintenance but without exception they are against the fence. Out of 36 hectares, a fifth is glades, poor-quality grass, bracken and brambles. They won’t be eaten by cattle. To put up 3.3km of fencing and 23 gates to keep six cattle in does not pass the common sense test.”
Dog walker Ann Pearce, of Stevens Lane, said: “I use the common every day. I have lived in the area for 15 years and the idea of the fencing across the common will put people off using it.
“Cyclists will have to stop to open a gate. This may lead to gates being propped open, which will let cattle out. My other worry is that the cattle would be startled by dog walkers and cyclists.”
She claimed that at the consultation meetings, she and others weren’t asked to say whether they supported the plans or not.
Terje Johansen, of Colmore Lane, said: “I know a lot of users of the common, many of whom are elderly, who wouldn’t even dare to enter if there was cattle around that could be aggressive.”
Stuart Burnett, of Stoke Row Road, said: “I have accidentally caused a stampede of cows — I was cycling past and startled them.”
Cllr Wooding said: “People have some view that we are forcing something through regardless. If the secretary of state refuses it, then it goes no further. We don’t believe there is a better way to maintain the common without introducing fencing. There are lots of examples where this is working well.”
Elaine Russell-Wilks, of Stoke Row Road, said: “Fencing is the only way to achieve an end. Heather glades are worth preserving. The breed of cows that has been chosen will not stampede and I don’t think there will be any problem with people who want to enter the enclosure.”
The issue will be discussed at a meeting of the Friends of the Common at Highmoor village hall on Wednesday, October 14 (8pm). All welcome.
Published on 28 September 2009
|
