I read with huge disappointment that sheep have gone missing and more so that Ian Rowatt (director of Malvern Hills Conservators) has accepted the resignation of shepherd Richard Smith.

The Conservators' flock of sheep have been based at our farm in Castlemorton since the project began.

During this time Richard has produced several generations of extremely healthy sheep in a capable and professional way. His staunch commitment to the success of the flock has been clear and unwavering and he will clearly be very hard to replace.

Without launching into the debate of whether the project should continue, let's remember what the Conservators were aiming to achieve - a sustainable conservation of the Hills.

Mr Masters clearly does not care for the encouragement of local farming practices and the protection of this irreplaceable and unique area that is so important to many of us.

In addition to being the public face of the grazing project, Richard has been a valuable contributor to the parishes of Castlemorton and Welland, organising fundraising events such as the hugely popular ferret racing evenings and the Castlemorton Shindig, raising thousands of pounds for local causes.

He has also run public dog training sessions in an attempt to educate the public about the danger of dogs to the flock of sheep.

He has contributed far beyond what most locals have and will be sorely missed.

I can only hope that once the matter of the stolen sheep is resolved, Mr Smith will receive a public apology.

Eugnie Cameron, Dales Hall, Castlemorton.