THE long-term grazing of the north and central Malvern Hills moved a step closer as members of the conservators backed the process to invite farmers to apply for licences.

The Malvern Hills Conservators are planning to advertise opportunities for people to graze their stock - about 14 cattle and 200 sheep during the first three years - on both the northern and central hills.

There will be one successful applicant for each section of the hills and their licences will include the use of the conservators’ barn, on a rental basis, for jobs like lambing.

The current grazier of the central hills, Trevor Bayliss, has an agreement to rent certain fields until 2010 but members of the conservators land management committee felt the other fields should be opened up to the same application process as the northern hills.

The grazing opportunities are expected to be advertised in mid August and potential applicants can view the northern hills and collect application forms on Wednesday September 17. The closing date for applications will be Wednesday October 8 and candidates will be interviewed on Wednesday and Thursday October 22 and 23.

The advertising and interview process for the central hills has yet to be decided and the land management committee’s recommendations have to be ratified by the conservators full board.

For more information contact the conservators on 01684 892002.