The Grazing Experiment: Sheep as Conservation Managers on Hampstead Heath

This ecological management feature examines the proposal to have sheep grazing on the Heath in 2026 as a conservation tool. The article explains the science behind conservation grazing: how sheep selectively browse certain vegetation, suppressing scrub encroachment and creating varied sward structures that benefit wildflowers, insects, and ground-nesting birds. It compares this approach with mechanical cutting, explaining the biodiversity advantages of grazing animals whose movement creates micro-variations in vegetation height and structure. The piece explores practical considerations: sourcing suitable sheep, providing husbandry, managing public access and dog interactions, and ensuring animal welfare.