Fencing at Stephens Castle in Verwood was cut in many places on the night of 15 October, shortly before grazing animals arrive. The fence must be rewired.

New fencing at Stephens Castle in Verwood was cut in several places overnight between Thursday 15 and Friday 16 October. The damage is so extensive that the whole fence line will have to be rewired, Dorset Council said.

The fence was put up so grazing animals can be brought onto the heath. The council says they are “due to arrive shortly”. It has reported the damage to Dorset Police, and extra patrols are being carried out in the area.

What happened

The council’s appeal, published on 16 October, says sections of fencing across the site were deliberately cut in multiple places. It follows earlier reports of damage at the site in recent weeks.

The council says the timing makes it worse. Had livestock already been on the heath, the animals could have got out onto nearby roads. That would have put drivers, residents and the animals at risk.

Cllr Jack Jeanes, the council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“Deliberate damage like this puts public money at risk, jeopardises important conservation work and could create serious safety issues once livestock are on site.”

He added that “the vast majority of people have been supportive of the work”.

Why the heath is being fenced

Stephens Castle has always been fenced, the council says, but the old timber fence had deteriorated. The new one is there to support grazing, which the council describes as a traditional way of managing heathland.

According to the council, grazing:

  • controls scrub and vegetation growth
  • supports biodiversity
  • cuts the need for heavy machinery

The grazing has the support of Natural England. The council says it is part of the site’s long-term management, after a year of restoration work.

The fence uses the kind of wire common on farmland. It has several gates and access points, so people can still walk on the heath, including with dogs. The council says it is also designed to let deer and smaller mammals move through.

A protected site

The heath is owned by Dorset Council and run by its countryside team. Its site page sets out what is at stake:

  • 20 hectares of wet and dry lowland heath
  • a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve
  • the “Castle” itself, a Bronze Age barrow and Scheduled Ancient Monument
  • sand lizards, smooth snakes, nightjars and Dartford warblers, and all three British newt species in its ponds

The site has been damaged before. In May 2023 a fire burned 4.7 hectares of the heath, nearly a quarter of it, while Dorset was on an amber wildfire alert. Crews fought it for eight hours. A fire in spring 2015 also damaged part of the site.

What it means for you

  • The heath is still open. The gates and access points stay in place, including for dog walkers.
  • Expect animals on the heath soon. Once the livestock arrive, keep dogs under close control near them and shut the gates behind you.
  • If you saw anything on the night of 15 October, call Dorset Police on 101. You can also email the council’s green space team at greenspaceseast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
  • Report damage you find to the Greenspace Team East on 01425 483809.

Stephens Castle is off Moorlands Road, Verwood, with a mile-long circular path from the back of Hillside School. More countryside stories: Dorset news.

Sources