THE familiar view of the sand dunes in St Ouen’s Bay might look a little different in the coming months when new residents move in…
A flock of Manx Loaghtan sheep are to be introduced to a fenced area north of La Moye Golf Club as part of a trial grazing plan to control the spread of dominant plant species in order to let other types of shrubs and flowers flourish.
The project is set to begin at the end of the month and last until May.
A team from the Environment Department has started the work by adding electric fencing on the dunes heading towards La Pulente in an area known as Le Carrière.
Signs are expected to be put up in the neighbouring car parks and along access routes in the coming days to warn dune users that a section of the land will house grazing sheep.
A government spokesperson said: ‘There will be live electric fencing. Although this fencing is only 12 volts and emits a pulse the same as other fences seen across the Island, Islanders are advised to keep dogs under close control on leashes and avoid coming into contact with the fence.
‘People who are fitted with a pacemaker do need to take particular care to avoid contact with the fence.
‘It is accepted best-conservation practice to graze stabilised dune systems with livestock and the purpose of this project is to trial the grazing of Manx Loaghtan sheep in scrub habitats and adjacent grasslands.
‘These habitats have an abundance of burnet rose and other plant species which are becoming dominant over the more desirable dune vegetation, which includes orchids, dwarf pansies and sand crocuses.
‘A combination of winter and summer grazing is the ideal, providing the chance to control holm oaks and other evergreens during the winter months and stripping foliage from other target plants, including privet, blackthorn and burnet rose during the summer. Throughout the project the sheep’s food preferences will be constantly monitored, with the hope that they will target the more undesirable plant species.’
