Letter: Livestock Returning to The Mount

Published on: 10 Sep, 2012
Updated on: 11 Sep, 2012

From Bernard Parke

Hon Alderman

The Parks and Countryside Services of Guildford Borough Council have announced that they about to re-introduce sheep and cattle to graze on the Mount once again although it would seem to be a little late in the season.

Dog walkers are requested to keep their pets under control and if they have not been with this kind of livestock before.

Although, no doubt, we welcome this initiative, I am sure we do not wish to see the carnage caused last year when two sheep met an unpleasant fate.

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Responses to Letter: Livestock Returning to The Mount

David Rose

September 10, 2012 at 10:32 pm

I would imagine that one reason why cattle and sheep have not been grazed on the Mount already this year may have something to do with skylarks nesting there.

There have been notices at several entrances to the Mount, courtesy of the council’s Parks and Countryside Services, giving details about the nesting birds, and so on.

Therefore, Bernard’s point that it is “a little late in the season” doesn’t really make sense to me. Is there a specific season for grazing livestock on downland?

Perhaps other readers may be able to explain.
- Bernard Parke
  
  September 11, 2012 at 8:01 am
  
  The Larks were nesting in The Mount field and not in the area in which the cattle and sheep frequent.
  
  The real reason, I am led to believe, was because there was some reluctance on behalf of the county to allow Green Lane to be dug up to install the water supply. Live stock must have water.