I write in response to the letter carried in the Wiltshire Times last week querying the decision to graze sheep on the hills around the Westbury White Horse and Bratton Camp.

English Heritage manages this site which is both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is our role to help the visitors of today to enjoy the site, but also to ensure the site's natural and archaeological heritage will be protected for generations to come.

Sheep have grazed this area on and off for over 1,000 years and we sought the advice of English Nature before expanding the area managed by grazing.

This is a traditional and natural method of maintaining chalk downland and it helps create a habitat which encourages wild flowers and butterflies.

It is especially important in this area as it supports many rare and nationally uncommon species of plant.

If the area is not grazed, long grass develops which results in smaller flowers becoming overgrown and starved of light.

We recently renewed some of the fencing in the area to protect the sheep after a spate of injuries caused to them by uncontrolled dogs.

We are committed to welcoming all visitors to the site, and so rather than restrict the site for dog owners we now ask simply that anyone visiting the site with a dog keeps it on a lead in areas where sheep are grazing.

The fence includes stiles, a bridle gate and kissing gates which are fully accessible to push-chairs and wheelchair users.

Sheep fouling is a natural by-product of this method of managing the site, but we, with the advice of English Nature, feel that it is the most environmentally sensitive way of managing the area for the benefit of the site and its visitors.

Carole Owen,

Estates Office Manager,

English Heritage.