THE fencing of goats on a steep slope of the Malvern Hills has won the backing of Malvern Hills Conservators.

In line with the board's policy of encouraging grazing to control scrub, the land management committee recommended allowing temporary electric fencing to remain on the eastern side of Pinnacle Hill, Malvern Wells.

Farmer Trevor Bayliss had asked for permission to enclose his goats on a bank covered with broom, gorse, bramble and bracken, moving the fencing every 27 days.

Before last Thursday's meeting, Mr Bayliss had been asked to remove a fence put up a few weeks ago.

Director Ian Rowat reported that animals on the enclosed ground had pulped the bracken and eaten bramble and broom. The fence was not obstructing any rights of way and was on a very steep bank, where it was difficult to walk because of the angle and the amount of vegetation.

Board members David Masters and Dudley Brook were worried that the Conservators had no legal right to allow fencing that would prevent public access to the land. But chairman David Ward said: "Once these four-legged lawnmowers have done their work, you are actually improving public access."

Arthur Turner said allowing one fence would create a precedent, but Mr Ward preferred to call it "setting an example".

Nine local residents had signed a letter supporting the idea of temporary, movable enclosures.

In the past, the Conservators had ruled out using goats to clear scrub because of the possibility of them wandering on to private property and causing damage.

"We are behind the times," said Mr Ward.

"It's about time we got up to speed and did a decent job, the way everyone else is tackling it."