WITH Forest sheep soon to return, local authorities will be pressed by members of the Commoners' Association to reduce the risk of straying animals by installing grids in the most vulnerable areas.
These could include the entrances to towns and places often affected by roaming sheep such as the Viney Hill junction with the A48 Gloucester road at Nibley.
A 'Statement of Intent' designed to promote the responsible practice of grazing is to be signed at Speech House on February 1.
It will be witnessed by DEFRA, The Forestry Commission, the Commoners' Association, Forest of Dean District Council, the Verderers, the police and the county council and is described as a partnership aimed to help implement the grazing agreement already signed by The Commoners Association and The Forestry Commission.
Commoners chairman Mr Henry Mills said he hoped the new agreement would forge a new future for the ancient tradition.
"It is basically the same as the 1981 agreement but adds requirements about sheep marking and makes other points such as identifying winter feeding stations," he said.
Mr Mills said it was now important to identify suitable sites for hefting sheep so that they could reintroduced with the minimum of fuss.
He welcomed the 'Statement of Intent' as a positive way forward which he hoped would reduce problems when the sheep returned.
"With so many other activities taking place in the Forest now sheep can often be scattered and blamed for being in places they shouldn't be. It is important we all work together to recognise all the difficulties and reduce the possibility of problems," he said.