Littledale SINC update

Yesterday a group of AONB volunteers joined Liz and Steve (the NYCC Countryside Ranger) to clear scrub from an area of once species-rich grassland close to Terrington, with the aim of preparing the site for grazing once again.

We couldn't have planned the date better as we had bright sunshine and a light breeze all day. Two days of strong winds previously had started to dry out the vegetation and once we had felled the scrub and cut it into smaller pieces we were able to get a controlled fire going to burn the material.

As the overall aims of the project are to remove scrub from the banks, so opening them up to the sunlight once again, and to remove horsetail that is taking over the fen in the base of the site it is important that fire sites are kept to a minimum and that existing fire sites are reused. Too many piles of nutrient-rich ash would result in patches of ground dominated by nutrient loving plants such as nettles and thistles rather than the re-establishment of a species-rich grassland community.

Longer-term plans for Littledale SINC include the continuation of scrub removal and the introduction of grazing with Exmoor Ponies. In order to graze the site with Exmoors it will need to be fenced and water will have to be provided.

If you are interested in helping with scrub management at this very special site in the future or in getting involved with other volunteer activities in the AONB and the rest of Ryedale please contact Liz.

News Posted: 28 January 2008