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WOOLHOPE DOME

The Woolhope Dome project is one of three pilot Biodiversity Enhancement Area (BEA) projects in the West Midlands . It has been running since July 2003, and is the first project of its kind in Herefordshire.

The aim is to undertake nature conservation work to enhance biodiversity gain on a large area/landscape scale. The project looks at protecting existing high value areas by the introduction of suitable habitat management, and then developing links and corridors to join these prime habitat areas, allowing species to move and spread. The overall aim is to work with local communities to protect and enhance the biodiversity of the habitats within the Dome's landscape, and to use it as an example of best practice in other areas with similar high biodiversity value in the LEADER+ area.

Alongside the very practical side of the project, it hopes to promote local produce (particularly that of rare breeds) and bring together producers, suppliers and consumers. A further aim is to co-ordinate landowners, managers and contractors, all to improve the local economy.

As well as giving advice and practical help to landowners the project has set up an English Nature Sheep and Wildlife Enhancement Scheme (SWES) on the core areas of species rich grassland. The SWES provides payments for landowners for work such as stock proof fencing and water supplies to be installed, to allow grazing to occur. It also provides payments for the contracted grazier to buy in appropriate breeds for conservation grazing, in the Woolhope case that is 60 Welsh mule sheep. The contractor is then directed by English Nature and the landowners when to graze the land and with how many animals. The prescriptions for management of each site are laid out in the legal agreement between English Nature and the grazier, so even if land changes hands good management should continue.

Community training events have also taken place, which include the Grassland Seminar and a First Aid Training day. Producers have started to set up networks, three volunteer work parties have helped in scrub clearance and 13 advice visits have been undertaken so far.

Francesca Griffith
Conservation Manager
Lower House Farm
Ledbury Road
Tupsley
Hereford
HR1 1UT
Tel: (01432) 356872
Fax: (01432) 275489
Email: fgriffith@herefordwt.cix.co.uk

Website: www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/hereford