Throughout the project, with support from Natural England through Higher Level Stewardship, the Molland Estate has continued with a programme of management work.
This has supplemented the grazing management provided by the cattle, sheep, ponies and Red deer.
A swaling (burning) programme has been continued.
Approval was granted by Natural England to burn some larger fires to achieve management of more heather during the project than would otherwise have been possible.
As is often the case, it was not possible to burn every year and this resulted in a smaller burnt area than planned.
Burning operations were supported by the Exmoor NPA rangers, but in later years this was restricted to the loan of a water bowser only.
Local experience of swaling has been regained. This has allowed the estate to carry out swaling operations without relying on external support.
European Gorse has been cut on many parts of the moor.
Gorse had invaded many parts of the Moor.
Some regrowth was controlled by treating the stumps with glyphosate.
The cut areas will be monitored to establish if cattle will control any regrowth by browsing on young shoots during the winter.
Bracken Control has taken place, using a range of techniques, including a horse-drawn bruiser.
Heather Beetle
Much of the heather on the moor has been badly affected by heather beetle in the last 10 years.
There is no direct management control for this beetle. The best option is to avoid large areas of old heather that could be killed in a single outbreak of heather beetle.
Further Information
The Graze the Moor Project Final Report – section 17.
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