Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve – grazing scheme consultation

We asked for your views on the introduction of a grazing scheme at Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve. The closing date for comments on the original document below, was 29 June 2007.

We then produced detailed maps showing the proposed fence lines, which we invited further comments on. These are also available to download, below. The closing date for comments was Friday 11 January 2008.

In May 2009, we submitted a planning application for works on Chailey Common.

Public consultation

A Public Inquiry into the grazing scheme was held in March 2010 at Newick Barn Centre.

Consultation results so far

The committee considered all the responses and decided to introduce grazing of animals contained within a permanent perimeter fence. Grazing would be by cattle, sheep and ponies using traditional quiet breeds with no bulls, cows with young calves, or stallions. At least one of the grazing areas would be free of animals, to allow for dog walkers and others.

Red House and Lane End Commons would be fenced separately, but it is proposed that Romany Ridge, Memorial and Pound Commons be joined as a single grazing unit with cattle grids on North Common and Beggars Wood Roads. An underpass between Memorial and Red House Commons is also being proposed.

All existing access routes onto the Common (except where these are dangerous or very close together) are likely to be retained, with added gates and stiles of suitable design.

Drop-in days and guided walks

Drop in days were held at Chailey Village Hall in March, April and October 2007, and two guided walks of the common also took place. Ashdown Forest rangers led a guided walk looking at issues on a grazed common in May 2007.

Further information

To find out more about this consultation, please email: chaileygrazing@eastsussex.gov.uk

Acrobat (PDF)
Summary document (21k)
A summary of the main document, below about the proposed introduction of a grazing scheme on Chailey Common.
Management of Chailey Commons Local Nature Reserve (212k)
First report and recommendations for the proposed introduction of a grazing scheme on Chailey Common Local Nature Reserve.
Questions and answers (18k)
Some answers to frequently asked questions about the proposal to introduce a grazing scheme on Chailey Common.
Red House Common - proposed fence line (1452k)
Map showing the proposed fence line around Red House Common.
Lane End Common - proposed fence line (684k)
Map showing the proposed fence line around Lane End Common.
Romany Ridge, Memorial and Pound Commons - proposed fence line (1374k)
Map showing the proposed fence line around Romany Ridge, Memorial and Pound Commons.