NINE MAIDENS MANAGEMENT REVIEW
Information taken from the large full-colour leaflet produced by
NATURAL ENGLAND, THE HEATH PROJECT
Pydar House, Pydar Street, Truro, TR1 1XU
Benefits of grazing
“Grazing will help to restore and conserve the heathland and return it once again to a valuable resource for the commoners.” [Note: there are 10 commoners of whom one is against the management proposals.]
“Grazing is vital to the health and rejuvenation of heathland as it restricts the level of scrub invasion and creates a mosaic of ecological riches for plants and animals, making heathlands rich in the variety of wildlife.”
Commoners current concerns
1. Gorse and bracken predominate in some areas with consequent loss of other species.
2. The unchecked spread of bracken has the potential to undermine and damage archaeological remains.
3. Potential fire risk from accumulation of dead plant litter under mature horse and heather.
4. Mineshaft fencing in poor or non-existent condition.
5. Motorbikes and four wheel drive vehicles are using the common illegally, damaging industrial archaeology, causing erosion and creating noise and nuisance to other users.
6. Knotweed infestation in some areas.
7. Car dumping and fly tipping are a problem.
Why Now?
The current Environmentally Sensitive Area [ESA] Agreement ends in 2012 and it is hoped that before then the commoners will enter the new Higher Level Stewardship [HLS] scheme which offers enhanced opportunities for the Nine Maidens Common. To be eligible for this new scheme the commoners must be able to graze the land and ensure that any cattle cannot stray off the common.
It is for this reason that cattle grids, fencing (electric and wire) and gates may be erected.
Consultation
“We welcome your input, views and any questions you may have.”
Public meetings to discuss the issue were held on 11th and 12th April 2008 at Trythall School near Newmill and information about this consultation was posted in Penzance Library until 9th May: responses had to be sent to Natural England by 2nd May.
An evening public meeting was held on Tuesday 13th May in St.John’s Hall, Penzance, with about 80 people in attendance. Many responses to the management proposals – both for and against – were aired, and a final show of hands went against them.
If it is agreed that work on the common is necessary then the Secretary of State for the Environment will be required to give consent. [Note: Nine Maidens Common is a registered common and therefore permission from the Secretary of State is required to legally erect anything that could restrict access or alter the surface of the common, for example fencing, gates and cattle grids.]