THE best beef steak in the business could soon be produced from woodland near you if a Forestry Commission proposal for conservation grazing is adopted.

Meat from free-ranging local herds could be a niche market for local producers, says Peter Kelsall, the Commission's planning and environment officer.

However the reason for the project would be to "turn the tide" on the march of bracken and undergrowth through local woods caused by the decrease in the number of sheep in the Dean.

Detailed studies are taking place to identify areas which could be enclosed and grazed by cattle, horses and ponies which would ultimately improve the sites for the benefit of flowers and plants. Talks have already taken place with the Commoners Association and conservation bodies, including Natural England.

The idea would be to open up some enclosures while fencing in others. The fenced areas would be for cattle and ultimately benefit from the grazing.

Mr Kelsall said talks had been taking place for some months and from a list of seven sites identified as having potential, three had been shortlisted. Talks would now take place with the Commoners, conservation groups and local people ahead of proposals being put to the verderers.

Mr Kelsall said if the project was trialled and proved to work it could be a win-win situation for everyone.

Commoners' secretary Mr Mick Holder described the potential for the idea as "brilliant."

"Bits and pieces need ironing out. The project separates sheep grazing from conservation grazing but potentially opens up more areas of woodland," he said.

Mr Holder said issues such as farm business tenancies and fencing had to be addressed but, though there would inevitably be some objections, broadly speaking he believed conservation grazing would be widely welcomed.