This year we grazed four Dexter cattle on Ibstone Common as part of a common land management demonstration, contained within a temporary electric fencing paddock. The Gravelly Grazing team were on hand in the tent to answer questions about the cows, as well as questions concerning local wildlife conservation. Tony Harman provided displays on locally important insects and his microscope close up of a moths wing was much enjoyed by the local children. Also in the Gravelly Grazing tent was Rachel Saunders of the Chilterns Conservation Board; she provided information about the management of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and recreational activities in the local area. There was also a static display of some of the machinery used in common land management. Overall, the demonstration was received well by the local community and fitted in well with the traditional atmosphere surrounding the fête.
Ecological Surveying, June 29th onwards
This past week Tony, Will and Sarah have been surveying the plants and animals at several different sites across the Chilterns. The results of these will be used to complete Farm Environment Plans (FEPs) in order to apply for Higher Level Stewardship grants (HLS). So far, the results have been very positive, with recordings of three orchid species and other characteristic chalkland plants including Restharrow and Dark Mullein. Amongst many sightings of the dark pink/purple Pyramidal orchid was a particularly special pale-whitish form (see picture). We also recorded Skylarks and several species of butterfly, such as the Marbled White, which appears to be enjoying a particularly successful season given their large numbers this year.
Chiltern Commons Network event, June 14th 2010
Members of the Chiltern Commons Network along with local stakeholders and land managers gathered at Turville Heath Farm for a Chilterns Conservation Board event. The event focused on the management of Turville Heath Common using grazing animals, with demonstrations of mechanical management methods including small-scale silage making, faggot making and flail mower collecting. A moth-trapping demonstration given by Tony Harman, associate entomologist of Gravelly Grazing, was well received and highlighted the importance of monitoring invertebrates on common land.
The event was well attended with over 75 people, including representatives of Natural England, the National Trust and members of local parish councils and interest groups. Also in attendance was Kate Ashbrook of the Open Spaces Society. Following a tour of the common, the group enjoyed informal discussion over a lunch of Turville Heath reared lamb, home-grown new potatoes and salad.
Robin gives a demonstration of flail mower collecting
This year we grazed four Dexter cattle on Ibstone Common as part of a common land management demonstration, contained within a temporary electric fencing paddock. The Gravelly Grazing team were on hand in the tent to answer questions about the cows, as well as questions concerning local wildlife conservation. Tony Harman provided displays on locally important insects and his microscope close up of a moths wing was much enjoyed by the local children. Also in the Gravelly Grazing tent was Rachel Saunders of the Chilterns Conservation Board; she provided information about the management of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Beauty (AONB) and recreational activities in the local area. There was also a static display of some of the machinery used in common land management. Overall, the demonstration was received well by the local community and fitted in well with the traditional atmosphere surrounding the fête. 
Robin gives a demonstration of flail mower collecting