FOREST environmental enthusiast Phil Saunders believes sheep could be the
answer to making better use of large areas of under-utilised and marginal
land in and around the Forest.
Mr Saunders, of Arbour Farm, Parawell Lane, Bream, says there are hundreds of acres of hill and scrub land locally yielding nothing.
"Much of it is too steep to plough and much of it is frequently under-utilised. It is well known that sheep grazing actually increases biodiversity and improves ground for conservation purposes, helping other species such as butterflies," he said.
Mr Saunders wants more smallholders and local people with access to land to consider keeping small flocks of sheep. To encourage them he is offering free courses on how to care for ewes and how to assist with lambing.
"I have been running the courses for four years now and there has been a lot of interest. There are many skills to learn so I am offering the courses over a three week period," he said.
"People can learn about the care of the inlamb ewe, breed, nutrition, the
lambing process and aftercare of lambs and mothers," he said.
•Mr Saunders can be contacted on Dean 563017. Though the course is free, anyone who attends can make a donation towards costs.