Scrub Clearance at Old Sarum

Old Sarum, Wiltshire. Image credit Heritage Action

“Old Sarum is not a nature reserve but a nationally important ancient monument!”

ENGLISH HERITAGE has hit back at criticism of its management of Old Sarum as a fresh round of scrub clearance gets under way.  And it has confirmed that no new trees will be allowed to grow up there.  The work has upset campaigner Mo Vines, who has accused the organisation of “getting rid of our future” by felling yew and beech saplings and holly bushes.

Archaeologist Julian Richards, who is drawing up a management plan for the site, said he was recommending “a lot more” scrub clearance.  “The policy is going to be not to allow woodland to regenerate naturally in places where we don’t want it. Primarily, Old Sarum is not a nature reserve, it’s a nationally important ancient monument and English Heritage holds it in guardianship for the nation.  I will be working with the volunteers up there on Sunday and I will be happy to explain to people what’s going on.”

Mr Richards said he was recommending to English Heritage that a Friends of Old Sarum group be formed to involve the community in its care.

full article here from the Salisbury Journal.