THE STINCHCOMBE HILL RESTORATION PROJECT
This year you may be surprised to see cattle on Stinchcombe Hill for the first time in several decades. Stinchcombe Hill Trust have been working, for more than three years, in partnership with adjacent land owner at Stancombe Park and the Stinchcombe Golf Club to bring grazing back, specifically to the SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest). Now, a five-year CES (Conservation & Enhancement Scheme) agreement recently confirmed by Natural England will provide the funding to make this ambition a reality.
Grazing has long been identified as the way to improve the SSSI and to address the issue of encroaching scrub that robo-mowing, which is difficult and expensive, just cannot resolve even when done regularly as is the current practice.
For about 25 years these rare species rich calcareous grasslands formed on Jurassic limestone have not been at their optimum best in terms of biodiversity – the quantity of species of flora and fauna. Trustee Chris Wiltshire, a conservation expert and butterfly specialist has recorded a decline in butterfly species amongst others in his extensive observations over many years.
Harry Llewellyn of Stancombe Park and a SHT Trustee, will provide and oversee six cows initially. While this may sound straightforward the Trust were required to commission a comprehensive and future proofed management plan that works for all users of the Hill, its ecology and wildlife. This was funded by FIPL (Farming in a Protected Landscape) and produced by FWAG (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group) and gave a once in a generation opportunity to provide an important record for future Trustees and users of the Hill.
The work to install a water supply, troughs and pipe work plus temporary and permanent fencing will start in early 2026. Once the fencing is installed footpath gates will permit walkers to enjoy their usual walks across the hill.
The Trust aims to bring the animals to the site in Autumn 2026.