Chailey Commons – Cattle Grazing

July 24 – The following message is from Andy Mitchell, Countryside Officer at East Sussex County Council.

The cattle on Red House Common have just moved over to Pound, Memorial & Romany Ridge Commons.  The 4 Exmoor ponies remain at Red House Common.

The cattle on Lane End Common had to be moved off after someone unhooked a gate from it’s hinges and cattle got out onto the road.  We think that this was deliberate and such action could have caused an serious accident on the road.  Please report anything like this to the Police and also to me.  The cattle are due to return to Lane End Common soon, probably next week.

Several people have contacted me about ragwort which is growing well on the commons this year.  We are aware of the risk to livestock if they eat it but as it is unpalatable to them and there is plenty of alternative grazing, the risk to them is minimal.  Please do not pull ragwort and leave it on the common as the cut plant becomes palatable once dry.

Please let me know if any are signs are missing.  Please also report any issues with gates or fences to me and do reply to me if you no longer wish to receive update emails.

If there are any problems with the cattle, please report this to the farmer directly on 07710 031820.

And a reminder that fly-tipping is dealt with by Lewes District Council along with litter, dog nuisance, car parks or bins – please contact them directly here: https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/report-a-problem/

Please keep dogs under control so they don’t chase or worry the livestock.   Dog fouling remains an issue – and Neospora is a parasite that causes cattle to abort calves.  Please clean up after dogs and don’t allow them into the cattle troughs, this water is for drinking only.