CITY SHEEP RETURN

'Lookerer' required to watch Brighton's flocks

With autumn on its way, residents and visitors will once again be able to see sheep improving grassland all around the city so that wild flowers and butterflies can flourish.

Councillor Pete West, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said:  “Last month some of the sheep came to Pelham Square in the city centre. It gave us the opportunity to explain why sheep are more environmentally friendly than mowers and how our local volunteer shepherds or “lookerers” take care of them.

“The initiative has the full support of the council as well as community and conservation groups all around the city. Why not come and visit one of the grazing sites or sign up to be a lookerer? All we ask is that you keep your dog under control when around the sheep to make sure that it does not chase them.”

Sheep will be grazing at Sheepcote Valley, Benfield Hill, Green Ridge and Crowhurst Corner this month and later in the winter at Waterhall, Bevendean Down, Whitehawk Hill, Stanmer Park, Wild Park and Beacon Hill in Rottingdean.

During the summer the flock were busy educating the crowds as special guests at PrestFest in Preston Park, Rottingdean Fair, Stoneham Park, Bevendean Fun Day, Whitehawk Festival, Saunders Park, Moulsecoomb Family Fun Day, Springwatch and Brunswick Festival.

For more details and regular updates, call 01273 292 929 or visit the volunteer shepherds website page at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/lookerers