Grazing horses on SSSI land...

[Micky]

Just in process of buying a house with land (and stables etc), however half the land is sssi, the previous owners said they grazed their horses at certain times of the year on there, it's mostly scrub grass and heather, no nasties thank goodness, but does anyone know the deal on grazing horses on sssi land please? My horse is and would be on restricted grazing anyway as I have to watch his weight and his companion would be a welsh a, who I would treat the same anyhow! Any info out there, can't find anything on the internet! Thanks!

 

[AmyMay]

Do you know why it's designated SSI?

 

[Micky]

Not yet but it's mainly heather...leading up to top of hill/mountainous hill!

 

[Tiddlypom]

Ask your local council, but in the meantime, presume it's off limits as useful grazing until you have it confirmed to the contrary.

 

[AmyMay]

You'll need to get your solicitor to establish the award, and I'd want this done before exchanging contracts.

 

[Micky]

Great thanks...will ask previous owners again exactly what they did with their horses grazing on it...

 

[FfionWinnie]

It is unlikely to be a problem. SSSIs are managed UK wide with grazing animals.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Great thanks...will ask previous owners again exactly what they did with their horses grazing on it...

Don't rely on any assurances given to you by the vendors...

 

[Micky]

Thanks all...will look into it with solicitor/council...heard of grazed sssi sites around the country so not too worried it will be a no go...

 

[AdorableAlice]

Don't rely on any assurances given to you by the vendors...

and have a read of the Government Guidance, £500 to meet you for a site visit plus 45p per mile, blooming heck that is steep.

 

[ozpoz]

I have grazed on SSSI when we unknowingly bought a property that was then designated. It wasn't a problem. i would think if there is a reason why it is SSSI which affects grazing then the vendors would have to let you know. Best to check it all out though.

 

[Zuzan]

In England Natural England maintain the list of SSIs https://designatedsites.naturalengl...spx?siteName=&countyCode=6&responsiblePerson= once you have found the one in question click on view details and that should give the reason for designation.. what species etc.

 

[benz]

There is a farm in the Cotswolds that graze only horses on their sssi which has the rarest grass in U.K. IIRC. it has been shown better than sheep or cattle for flowers but there will be restrictions when you can graze, when you need to cut hay etc if you want to keep the sssi status and get the award from natural England. You really need to speak to them as each agreement is unique. For example the deal we had was horses could graze march-oct but had to have a hay cut in July and had to leave x amount uncut/ungrazed and could only have x metres headland for riding on. You don't have to keep sssi status but it would be lovely if you could, we need more of them and they are generally great for horses!

 

[FfionWinnie]

. IIRC. it has been shown better than sheep or cattle for flowers .....

You don't have to keep sssi status but it would be lovely if you could, we need more of them and they are generally great for horses!

Horses are not "better" grazers they are different grazers so it depends entirely what needs to be achieved on a site as to whether they are suitable. However they will nearly always be more suitable than no grazing at all

Removing a SSSI is a costly and complex and almost certainly impossible thing to do so forget that as an option OP because it's highly unlikely you'll be able to do that.

They are not "generally good for horses". Often they aren't good for much when it comes to grazing animals and the animals are used to manage the site rather than the site used to manage the animals. Many of them are the bog hole of the country which have stayed uncultivated due to the fact it's impossible to do anything with them because they are too wet or too steep or too inaccessible and this is what has kept them as ancient meadow or bog or whatever. Each site needs to be looked at individually on its own merits.

However, its unlikely to pose a problem for the OP. Natural England, or Scottish Natural Heritage or the Welsh equivalent depending on location are the people they need to speak to.

 

[popsdosh]

Thanks all...will look into it with solicitor/council...heard of grazed sssi sites around the country so not too worried it will be a no go...

There is no one size fits all as far as SSSI goes its all down to local management plan that should be documented but be aware natural England can move the goalpost at any stage . Basically from your point of view as a buyer the SSSI makes the land worthless and a mortgage company wont attach it to a valuation because of this. Basically you own the land but you are told how its to be managed or if you can use it at all.

 

[popsdosh]

There is a farm in the Cotswolds that graze only horses on their sssi which has the rarest grass in U.K. IIRC. it has been shown better than sheep or cattle for flowers but there will be restrictions when you can graze, when you need to cut hay etc if you want to keep the sssi status and get the award from natural England. You really need to speak to them as each agreement is unique. For example the deal we had was horses could graze march-oct but had to have a hay cut in July and had to leave x amount uncut/ungrazed and could only have x metres headland for riding on. You don't have to keep sssi status but it would be lovely if you could, we need more of them and they are generally great for horses!

Are you sure that is SSSI your talking about and not higher level stewardship. SSSI are brought about by statutory instrument and the land owner has no say in their creation.