Thetford Town Council has welcomed new graziers.

Experienced farmers, Charles Clack and Matthew Rouston, will commence the role from April.

They will be in charge of livestock grazing on historically and environmentally significant sites.

Those sites are Barnham Cross Common and Ford Meadow, and for the first time in many years, sheep will also be used to graze parts of Castle Park.

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Barnham Cross Common has a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) designation and is one of the best examples of Breckland grass heaths and includes calcareous, acid and fixed dune grassland.

For the land's biodiversity to thrive, Natural England recommends conservation grazing.

Councillor Hazel McCambridge, vice chair of the Council’s Amenities Committee said: "I am very pleased that Thetford Town Council are able to manage these green spaces in our town in a way that encourages plants and insects which are very special to Breckland.

"We are really lucky to have this opportunity to work with graziers who are passionate about wildlife, sharing their knowledge with the community and helping us see these special areas flourish."

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The livestock management will be handled by Mr Clack and Mr Rouston, owners of Regency Agricultural Services, with due respect to sustainability.

They plan to involve the community for a better understanding of farming and livestock.

Mr Clack said: "We are delighted to have been successful with our bid to take on the council’s grazing sites.

"We look forward to introducing our stock this spring and working with the council to better manage the sites."

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The council is keen to remind residents to be considerate of the animals when using the grazed areas

Dogs must be kept on leads at all times when accessing the sites and any dog fouling must be cleaned up immediately.

For more details on livestock grazing and the herd's history, visit the council's website or social media pages.