Sheep have been reintroduced to council land for grazing and conservation purposes.

Thetford Town Council recently welcomed the return of sheep to publicly-owned land around Castle Mound.

A group of 14 sheep has been set to graze as part of an ecological initiative and will be joined by additional livestock in future months.

Councillor Terry Land, chairman of the Thetford Town Council’s Community and Environmental Services Committee said: “This has been a long time coming but I am so pleased to see them finally introduced.

The council plans to introduce more livestock in the coming months The council plans to introduce more livestock in the coming months (Image: Submitted)

"It is a real win for Thetford Town Council, both in terms of the environmental impact and financial savings made in the area.

"Grazing land is better than mechanical processes for removing grass as it allows the flora and fauna to flourish in a natural way.

"It is also more cost effective for the council.

"I’d like to pay tribute to Town Team Manager Nick Thompson, whose hard work has made this possible.”

Following the introduction of sheep-based conservation grazing to Castle Park, Barnham Cross Common is currently grazed by cattle, while Ford Meadow is scheduled for rotational grazing later in the season.

Grazing livestock offers an effective way to selectively remove unwanted species while promoting biodiversity.

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Sheep select and eat broad-leaved species which can be a nuisance in grassy areas.

The cattle follow up, consuming coarse grasses, enhancing biodiversity.

Thetford Town Council, with aid from Breckland District Council, the Dog Warden, and Norfolk Rural Crimes Officers, will oversee the sites for compliance with regulations and to ensure the safety of both the animals and local residents.