Management Plan

Those who have walked on Blacka regularly over the last few years will have noticed that there have been no cattle on the moorland parts this year. That may be down to the fact that there is a new HLS agreement or that there is no 'approved' new management plan. But don't hold your breath.

The next meeting of the RAG is likely to be about SWT's next management plan. It's a bit surprising that it's not already been scheduled for August - then there's a good chance that some of those with independent views will be on holiday.
According to SWT's Chief Executive, Liz Ballard, who spoke at the Action for Involvement meeting the organisation will soon be consulting on this.
For SWT the most important element of the management of Blacka is livestock grazing - it brings in farm subsidies and Agri environment monies.That is despite the fact that a very large proportion of Blacka is actually woodland and has received a comparatively small amount of attention in the past. The real point though is all about money. Using livestock to implement anti-nature plans brings in funds. That is therefore the main focus of the management. It should also be thoroughly examined at any public consultation. Is this a nature reserve or is it a site to be exploited for gain?

Much public money has gone into this area.

It is part of the site and called a nature reserve. it smells like  a sewer not surprising seeing as we pay to keep it as a sheep lavatory. If the sheep were not here nature would ensure that a good range of natural plants would be visible. Instead we have a few grasses that sheep don't eat and thistles.

A few yards further on there is a change. Whoopee! Different thistles.