Plea for fences on moors (From Gazette & Herald)

Plea for fences on moors

A NORTH YORK MOORS farmer is hoping to protect the upland sheep industry and the delicate nature balance by fencing off sections of the national park.

Brian Aconley, who farms in Farndale, wants to put up fences to keep his sheep from wandering into thousands of acres of land.

The number of flocks on the moors has been gradually declining over the years.

Some farmers have sold their flocks, leaving fewer flocks to graze.

He said those remaining were wandering much further than they should, so the cost of rounding up an average-sized flock was spiralling.

"It is a big problem - once there were lots of flocks and one would keep the other away from their area," said Mr Aconley.

"The one wouldn't stray into the other's area so they were all kept in order. There are fewer flocks grazing now, so the ones which are left just wander all over the place.

"It takes us weeks to round up the sheep nowadays and they are never there when you need them for things like dipping."

He said there had been objections from walking groups who were against the idea of restrictions on the moors.

"The trouble is that if sheep disappear from the moors, it will affect the balance of nature," he said.

"The walkers come here to admire the scenery, but there won't be anything to admire if the sheep disappear.

"Fencing off a bit of the moors will keep the sheep in one place and allow us to round them up more easily."

The plans, for fences at Westerdale and Arden Great Moors, are set to go before the national park authority's annual general meeting on Monday.

The authority's estate and moorland officer, Michael Graham, explained that there was a need to protect the environment.

"The park is a protected site of special interest," he said. "The sheep are very much part of the land and the balance of nature. This is being upset because some flocks are missing.

"Some farmers have sold their flocks over the years while others lost them during last year's foot and mouth crisis."

He said that farmers were finding it increasingly difficult to round up their sheep.

"We have heard of some farmers having to walk up to seven miles before they even start rounding up their sheep."

Updated: 13:13 Thursday, June 20, 2002