Sheep lined up to revive heath

Sheep may graze again on Hampstead Heath. The Corporation of London is proposing to improve the environment of the heath, including removing scrub and restoring hedges.

The corporation, which took control of the heath after the abolition of the Greater London Council, believes that part of the heath could benefit from grazing. Sheep were allowed to roam in the area known as the Heath Extension until the 1930s and were folded into a central paddock at night.

The draft management plan says: 'In ecological terms, there would be advantages in reintroducing grazing on the Heath Extention, although there would be practical difficulties in doing this.

'These include lack of secure night shelter for livestock, dog worrying and the need to make the field margins stock-proof.'

The corporation became the custodian of the heath in 1989 when it took over from the London Residuary Body. Peter Rigby, chairman of the Hampstead Heath management committee, said: 'It is the first time a management plan has been produced for the heath and the first time the corporation has embarked on such such a wide-ranging consultation programme.

Local groups advising the corporation include the Heath and Old Hampstead Society, the London Wildlife Trust and the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

One proposal likely to cause controversy is to thin out the secondary woodland which has grown since the 1950s.

In the neighbouring Kenwood estate, a pressure group called Kenwood Trees has begun a vigorous campaign against a programme by English Heritage which involves felling trees.

The report says that the pressure exerted by the new woodland can be destructive to some wildlife habitats. In areas such as Sandy Heath and West Heath, trees have formed closed canopies in places which the corporation says has led to loss of vegetation at ground level. It is proposed to remove 'non-native' trees.

Work will also be under-taken to reinstate some hedgerows. Turkey oak and sycamore will be removed from hedgerows and overgrown hawthorn bushes will be coppiced to promote new growth from the rootstock.

The plan says there will be no increase in the area of mown grassland to maintain a balance between natural and cultivated areas. Steps will be taken to slow down some streams to create habitats and prevent erosion. This will be achieved by selective damming, using wood or clay.

Action will be taken to preserve the panoramic views of London, such as those from Parliament Hill to St Paul's Cathedral and from Kenwood to St Paul's, by controlling

vegetation and liaising with planning authorities to control intrusive developments. The corporation also plans to improve signposting with a limited number of directional signs made of natural materials.

Minor footpaths will be allowed to emerge and wood chippings will be used to prevent erosion on existing minor footpaths. Surfaced footpaths will be resurfaced with gravel.

The draft plan will be on public exhibition at the Lido complex on Hampstead Heath until 31 July. It is open every day between noon and 6pm.

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HEATH FACT FILE

791 acres (85% in Camden, 14% in Barnet, 1% in Haringey); 28 ponds, four play areas. main

formal gardens: the Hill Garden, Golders Hill Park, the Pergola and the Gospel Park entrance.

Sports available: golf, bowls, athletics; cycling, cricket, cross-country, fishing, football, horse-riding, model boating, orienteering, rugby, rounders, softball, swimming and tennis.