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CHRIS Oates, an organic beef farmer from The Lizard, has welcomed government approvals which mean he can graze his cattle on three commons on the peninsula.

Natural England, the landowners of Gold Gothan Common, part of Rosuick Common and Main Dale Common, have now received approval to implement stock proofing measures on the commons so that grazing can be reintroduced as soon as this winter.

"We are really excited about these approvals and will start grazing as soon as the works are completed. I will be grazing our traditional breed of organic Welsh Black cattle whose meat we supply to local schools, restaurants and through our farm shop at Rosuick Farm," said Mr Oates.

Stock proofing measures will include putting up fencing and installing cattle grids and by-pass gates.

Although fencing may appear to restrict public access to the sites, access points will be available along the roads where it is safe to install them.

Ray Lawman, Natural England Senior Reserves Manager on the Lizard, said: "We will have the infrastructure in place by this winter so grazing can start. Grazing in these areas will help improve species diversity, especially when followed up with controlled burning on the heathland.

"This is recognized best management practice for heathlands and we hope to encourage species which haven't been seen for a long time, such as orchids, to reappear."

The infrastructure will be funded by the HEATH (Heathland, Environment, Agriculture, Tourism and Heritage) project, which is working with heathland owners, managers and farmers on The Lizard to help with the reintroduction of grazing, archaeological understanding and economic development of heathland.

Steve Clarke, Natural England's Landscapes for Biodiversity project manager responsible for the HEATH project, said: "It's great these approvals have come through.

"We will be able to not only see the environmental benefits to the land, through the introduction of grazing, but also help a local farmer by providing grazing opportunities."

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