Council and democracy

Sheep return to Happy Valley

Twenty Herdwick and Jacob ewes will spend three months grazing to the north of Happy Valley. They will act as natural 'lawn mowers', helping to keep down scrubby vegetation and grasses that could otherwise shade out the wildflower-rich chalk grassland.

Wildflower meadows on the thin, chalky soils of Happy Valley are one of the most diverse habitats for wildlife in Britain and they support many rare plants and insects including the greater yellow rattle, which is found in only a few places in Britain. The slopes of Happy Valley also provide a home to many types of butterfly.

Grazing is the traditional way of managing these slopes. Following its introduction to Happy Valley five years ago, the grassland is showing a great improvement and the animals are proving very popular with visitors.

Croydon Council's cabinet member for culture and sport, Councillor Steve Hollands, said: "Living in Croydon we are very fortunate to have beautiful open spaces such as Happy Valley on our doorstep. It is a site of national importance and the hard work undertaken by the council and volunteers to help it thrive has already been recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award. 

"This year Croydon is entering the Britain in Bloom awards and it is areas like Happy Valley, where the whole community gets involved in conserving its beauty, that will impress the judges."

The council's greenspaces manager, Barry Lambton, added: "We are proud to be working with the Old Surrey Downs project, the largest conservation grazing project in Surrey and south London, on this important conservation work in the borough. If you regularly walk in Happy Valley and would like to help with checking the animals or take part in conservation projects, they would be pleased to hear from you. All training is provided. Contact the Old Surrey Downs project on 01737 733933."