Comments in support of the SWT proposals.
The management of SWT feels that not enough exposure has been given on the ELSTEAD NEWS website to the comments of people who support their proposals for fencing on the local commons. All comments received will be posted here.
If anybody supports the fencing and grazing proposals and has not yet told us please use the online survey to record your views, as well as how you use the commons.
For full information on the reasons for SWT's plans for the management of the commons, including perimeter fencing for free range grazing, go to: http://www.surreywildlifetrust.org/files/phase2backgroundpaper.pdf
5. May 2012 The Ramblers statement on the local commons
The Ramblers do not oppose the proposals by Surrey Wild Life Trust for cattle grazing on Thursley/ Elstead/Royal/Ockley/Bagmoor Commons and perimeter fencing provided that all Rights of Way continue to be fully maintained and Access land remains open for public use.
D. H.Holmes, Ramblers Footpath Secretary / Surrey Area Publicity Officer
Comments from the online survey
June 11, 2012 5:25 PM Access to Elstead Commons
I believe that sensible cattle grazing is essential to restore the wildlife habitats. Provided the gates to be installed are friendly to existing users, minor inconveience seems a small price to pay.
2012-06-26 10:48
I fully support the grazing proposals and look forward to seeing the cattle roaming across the site. They will do a great job for wildlife and my experience from other sites tells me that people will soon get used to them. Thanks.
2012-07-03 14:57
Thoroughly supportive of the idea. Cattle would have historically grazed these areas and kept them in good condition for wildlife. These areas are military training areas and nature reserves first and foremost, not dog walking or horse riding ground. People need to understand the priorities of the land.
2012-08-29 15:27
I'm happy about the proposals. I don't see the cattle as a threat or troublesome and actually like the prospect of being among them. I would hope that the fencing would not impede access though. Ideally there would be safe access for horses and cycles.
2012-08-26 21:16:41
I think it is absolutely fine to enclose the common. The cattle do a good job in controlling invasive plant species and are just not a threat to anyone. The system works fine in the new forest so why not here? There is far more danger of being run over on the road than there is of being threatened by a cow.
2012-08-29 15:27
I'm happy about the proposals. I don't see the cattle as a threat or troublesome and actually like the prospect of being among them. I would hope that the fencing would not impede access though. Ideally there would be safe access for horses and cycles.
2012-09-19 14:04
I think it is a wonderful way to keep down the unwelcome tree saplings etc and will add to the experience of being on the common. I am a regular visitor to the New Forest where dog walking and horse riding take place perfectly happily alongside free roaming cattle, horses, ponies and even pigs. I have no doubt that Elstead residents will be able to rise to the challenge of treating the grazing cattle with respect and that children, dogs and horses will soon become accustomed to the new residents.
2012-09-24 19:16
From what I have seen on other nature reserves the work the cattle do benefits the habitat and the cattle are very relaxed.
2012-10-29 15:47
Great idea to use the cattle for grazing on the common.
Comments from the paper survey
1. Commons were created by commoners amongst other rights grazing their animals.
2. The cattle are very docile. There should be minimal fencing within the perimeter.
3. I've seen cattle on Elstead Common & cattle and ponies some years ago near Woking. It is good practice for horse riders to learn to open five bar gates and shut them. It seems to me the msot importnat thing is to promote vegetation of heathland, so much of which has been lost since 1900.
4. No problems with cattle. Full enclosure fencing needed to allow free movement of deer and other existing wildlife.
5. No objections. ... (long comment about irresponsible dog owners)... It is more than likely that some dogs would chase the cattle but the cattle would keep the scrub down which would be good for butterflies and other insects.
6. I have no objection to either (option) personally but I can see the problems others might have.