FEARS for the future of Castlemorton Common have prompted calls for greater public tolerance of grazing animals.

Castlemorton Common Association has raised concern that difficulty in protecting cattle and sheep is causing a decline in the number of graziers using the land.

Sheep and cattle are frequently frightened by walkers, cyclists and motorists, leading to flocks and herds splitting up or moving on to inappropriate places

Association chairman Med Snookes said: "We want people to come to the common and enjoy it, but we're asking for a bit of understanding."

The number of graziers has dropped to only seven in recent years, while the number of visitors to the common has seen a massive increase.

"Many are not aware how to behave around animals", said Mr Snookes.

He advised that people should keep their distance from cattle and sheep and avoid driving or cycling past them at speed.

He said if the existing graziers stop using the common, it will turn into woodland and cease to be a habitat for flora and fauna.

The common is currently home to many unusual plants and wildlife, including rare dropworts, pettywhin, grasshopper warblers and stonechats.

Jane Perks, secretary to the association, said: "We have got to try and make the common a safer place for stock to be and, therefore, encourage more graziers.

"The saddest day would be when we lose the graziers we have left. That would be the death knell for the common."

n Last month, a cow charged at a woman walking her dogs on the common, leaving her with bruising and whiplash.

It is thought the animal attacked because she was protecting her calf.