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Sheep graze on Downs as part of ancient legal right
A group of grazing sheep have ensured that an ancient right can continue.
According to the Downs Act of 1861, the ‘Commoners of Durdham Down’ must tether at least one sheep on the Downs for one day every five years in order to maintain the right to graze sheep on the land.
The Commoners are a group of around a dozen groups made up of local residents as well as institutions including the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens and Badminton School.
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A full-time shepherd was employed on the Downs until 1925 when the rising number of motor vehicles made grazing on the Downs too dangerous.
Shepherdess Melinda Baker brought the sheep to the Downs on Tuesday and introduced them to pupils from schools including Avonmouth Primary School.
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Among the other attendees were representatives from the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project, with a demonstration also taking place of wool weaving crafts using a medieval-style spinning wheel.
One of the many quirks of the Downs is that it is jointly owned and cared for by the Society of the Merchant Venturers, whose unelected members sit on the Downs Committee alongside elected councillors and Bristol’s lord mayor.
Merchant Venturers leader Robert Bourns told Bristol24/7 that they day was “quite an occasion”.
“This is about emphasising history and heritage, and educating young people,” said Bourns, a former president of the Law Society of England & Wales.
“This an opportunity to show to show the history as well as what we can learn from that.”
Children from Avonmouth Primary School met the heroic sheep – photo: Martin Booth
Main photo: Martin Booth
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