Why have we introduced grazing in Thetford?
At Thetford Town Council, we manage a variety of green spaces in the town. As part of this land management, we have to find sustainable and cost-effective ways of maintaining the areas, whilst still ensuring we are mindful of conservation and biodiversity in the area. Part of this maintenance includes the management of vegetation on the land. A great way of doing this is to introduce grazing to the sites. When the animals graze the land, they provide a natural way of keeping the vegetation low but also help with natural reseeding and fertilisation of the ground. We have worked with local graziers to introduce animals to the sites around the town.
In April 2024, Cattle were introduced on to Barnham Cross Common, which grazed throughout the summer months. Sheep have been introduced to Castle Park, and there are hopes to introduce increasing numbers over the next year. Ford Meadow will also be used as a grazing site, with Barnham Cross Common having new livestock reintroduced in 2025.
Which areas are being grazed in the town?
Barnham Cross Common
Barnham Cross Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), identified as one of the best examples of Breckland grass heaths, it includes calcareous, acid and fixed dune grassland. These habitats support a range of animals and plants including several rare or scarce species. Conservation grazing is recommended by Natural England and helps to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the land.
Castle Park
Castle Park is in the centre of Thetford and is the site of a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The site holds great historic importance and is manged by the Town Council with guidance from Historic England and Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Grazing is being introduced to the mound and surrounding ramparts as a natural way to manage the vegetation.
Ford Meadow
Castle Park is in the centre of Thetford and is the site of a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The site holds great historic importance and is manged by the Town Council with guidance from Historic England and Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Grazing is being introduced to the mound and surrounding ramparts as a natural way to manage the vegetation.
Working in Partnership
Thetford Town Council are working in partnership with: Local security firms, Norfolk Constabulary and Rural Crimes Officers, Breckland District Council Enforcement Team and Safer Street Wardens as well as local Animal Warden services. These teams help our Officers and the Graziers in patrolling and monitoring the areas, ensuring the rules and regulations are being adhered to. They will also carry out checks to ensure all livestock are safe and well cared for and that members of the public are able to enjoy the use of the sites alongside the animals.
Use of the grazing areas by members of the public
All of our grazing spaces are accessible to the public through gated entrances. Please help to support our grazing by following all signs and notices around the areas.
These include the following:
- All dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
- Any dog fouling must be cleaned up and disposed of appropriately.
- No unauthorised vehicles on the sites.
- No BBQ’s, fires or camping allowed in the areas.
- Please remove any litter from site.
- No alcohol is permitted in the area.
- No sporting activities are permitted in the fenced off grazing areas.
- Please do not disturb or worry the animals.
- Please report any issues to a member of our team via the contact details provided.
- Please close all gates behind you.
Any member of the public found breaching these rules or causing undue stress to the animals may be issued with a fixed penalty fine or be liable to prosecution.
Contact Us:
01842 754 247
Out of Hours Emergency Contact:
07458 012 823