Hopped through the old fence near the Surrey Hill reservoir at the weekend for a blast around the heath (over towards the scary transmission tower) and found new fences being erected all over the place. Some just head randomly across the heath. Although there are clearly going to be gates in places, some sections cross trails without a break, and won’t be helpful from a riding point of view. Anyone know what it’s all about? Perhaps the powers-that-be are about to re-introduce wolves, bears and wild boar, just to spice things up a little?

Lots of “heathland management” going on in the locale… Which basically involves cutting down trees and introducing cattle to keep munching any new tree sprouts. Fences required to keep the cattle in place.

So you’re not too far wrong 🙂

Hi Squirrel!

Can’t believe this is being done (currently injured so not been over there for ages). That must be the worst place to have livestock, particularly with the MX bikes that shouldn’t be there but still are.

This “heathland management” is a load of old tosh – money is involved which is precisely why English Nature/Wildlife Trusts do this. It’s been done before only a couple of miles away and subsequently the cattle and ponies were tormented by the local yoof.

In fact, years ago there was a rumour of Caesar’s Camp being invaded by cattle for “conservation purposes”.

Yours cynically,
CG