THE Conservators' programme of scrub control on the Hills using cattle should begin in earnest in the next few days.

The herd of 16 Galloway and Belted Galloway bullocks is to be turned out for some weeks in a temporary enclosure on the west side of End Hill, contained by electric fencing. Last week, the cattle were moved into the holding area at Joyners' Meadow, above Camp Hill, where they have already made an impressive start at grazing and trampling down the long growth. Once the initial teething problems of providing a secure water supply for the animals have been worked through, it is expected that they will spend most of their time on the Hills proper, only returning to Joyners Meadow when the temporary grazing area is changed. The Conservators' advice to dog owners is to keep pets under close control while they are near the cattle, which although not hostile are often curious about visitors - animal or human - so that the wisest course is to not to walk too near the herd and to move quietly when near.

Much of the bracken on the bluebell field opposite Old Hollow has been crushed this week with a special machine, in an attempt to avoid the formation of the dense canopy which formed last year and did not fully break down over the winter, and in places appeared to reduce this year's show of bluebells in May. The crushing has been carried out for the Parish Council, which two years ago leased the field from the owners, Madresfield Estate, so as to be able to manage it to optimise the spectacular annual spectacle of bluebells.

Following the resignation Dr John Raine, long-time village resident Tony Tinton, of Ebrington Road, was co-opted to the Parish Council at its meeting on Monday, once again bringing the council up to its full strength of seven members.

The postponed Allotment Association barbecue has been re-scheduled for Sunday, July 27 from about 4pm. All allotment holders and their friend/families are welcome to attend. Bring your own food and drink (barbecue facilities available) and come earlier if willing to help set up. A piano or other musical instruments are particularly appreciated, says chairman Malcolm White (guitar or penny whistle might be easier to bring than a piano!)