Hit squad of grass-munching sheep enlisted to help Fife Earth Project
Published 5 Aug 2011 09:30
11 Comments
IF you've got a grass-growing related problem and no-one else can help, maybe you too can hire the sheep team.
A flying flock has already landed at Kelty and immediately started work on a big case, how to protect a major work of art next to the M90 motorway.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust entrusted their best grass-munchers to help the Fife Earth Project, which is transforming a major blot on the landscape into a huge work of art.
The big hole in the ground at St Ninians opencast mine site is being turned into public parkland but, at some 660 acres in size, cutting the grass would be too much for ordinary lawnmowers, which is where the sheep come in.
Colin Ortlepp, planning director for Scottish Resources Group, said, "We are delighted to have welcomed the first members of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's flying flock of sheep onto St Ninians.
"This marks an important stage in the ongoing restoration of the current operational area at St Ninians and the delivery of the land art project."
Designed by award-winning American landscape architect Charles Jencks, the project is restoring land "scarred" by mining and will boast a loch in the shape of a map of Scotland.
The new parkland is based on the influence Scots had on the world and will have six miles of paths and walkways as well as conical, triangular, rectangular and horn-shaped mounds, cliffs and lochs.
And the Scottish Wildlife Trust's 'flying flock' of sheep will help to keep the artwork looking trim and improving the biodiversity by grazing on the land. They are normally used to graze wildlife reserves, restoring and maintaining rare habitats such as wildflower meadows and raised bogs, and move between reserves with the trust's own shepherd.
The trust's reserves manager in East Central Scotland, Alistair Whyte, said, "We are very pleased to be involved in the restoration of the opencast site at Kelty.
"When completed, this is going to be a spectacular place for visitors and wildlife, and it's great to be able to play a part in the process."
The land art project is funded by the Scottish Resources Group, the parent company of Scottish Coal, and is set to be a major tourist destination and visitor attraction.
The cost is said to be "several million pounds" and the project is due to be completed by the end of 2012.
This article appeared in Dunfermline Press 05 Aug 11
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Syd Carrott
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Aug 7, 02:52
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flossy the sheep
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Aug 8, 09:18
Report commentu stay away UJ maaaah maaaa has told me about you and your wellies running about the field filling your boots. she even said that you might even be maaaaaah daaaaaah. yeah EWE
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Larry the lamb
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Aug 8, 09:45
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Lambsy
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Aug 11, 16:22
Report commentThis is more your level UJ .You're as dumb as sheep.
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lambsy
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Aug 11, 20:15
Report commentOh dear didn't get to read your drivel what a shame :-)
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lambsy
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Aug 11, 23:06
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flossy the sheep
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Aug 12, 11:27
Report commentwatch out lambsy or you'll have UJ chasing you down the street with his wellies on he's sheep daft
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lambsy
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Aug 12, 15:05
Report commentThink I'd rather be on a plate with mint sauce :-O
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flossy the sheep
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Aug 14, 18:44
Report commentblaa blaa blaa UJ, boar of with all your bleating.
ps lose the wellies.......
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uncle jo
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Aug 17, 14:36
Report commentSome of my brother's best friends are sheep, he enjoys hanging round with those of a higher intellect then himself
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Bob the Builder
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Aug 17, 16:09
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