Mulgrave Estate

Our resident Exmoor Ponies are on the move again around the Estate. We recently rehoused them at Sandsend Quarry to graze the coastal slope grassland. The grasslands here are becoming choked by gorse, bramble and rank grasses so the Exmoor’s are the ideal tool to combat this and get the flower and herb rich sward back into condition. The quarry is open to the public but please observe the signs on the gates and be responsible around the livestock. As we move the Exmoor’s around the various conservation grazing sites we are looking for volunteer pony checkers to keep an eye on them on a day to day basis and report any problems. If you walk to the quarry regularly and would like to volunteer for this do get in touch with john.beech@mulgrave.net

Quarry fencing underway at Deepgrove. Our contractors have made good progress recently with the new stock fencing that is being installed at Deepgrove Quarry, Sandsend. Around a mile of fencing around the boundaries of the quarry will allow for the introduction of conservation grazing with suitable livestock. This will prevent the area being swamped by gorse, bramble and rough grasses and enable the herb rich grassland underneath to flourish. Panels are to be placed on site as well to tell the story of this fascinating part of the Estate, it’s history, wildlife and connections with the local community at Sandsend

Work is due to commence this week converting a complex of farm buildings in Lythe to a children’s day nursery with additional services such as a holiday club, toy shop and community space. Planning permission was obtained with a subsequent tender exercise during last year and Twenty-Five(York) Ltd have been appointed as the Principal Contractor. The buildings are owned by Mulgrave Estate who are part-funding the project.

The Mulgrave Estate have recently added a number of native trees to the riverbanks at Beckside Farm. The trees, a mixture of Alder, Willow and Oak will add stability to the riverbank once the roots take hold as well as eventually providing extra habitat for riparian wildlife. Planting the trees is part of stage one on the scheme with a follow up over the next month or so with livestock fencing to prevent cattle entering the watercourse and causing siltation to the gravel beds lower downstream. Siltation causes the spawning grounds for several species of fish to become choked and reduces the chances of successful breeding within the watercourse. Mulgrave Estate have worked in conjunction with the River Esk programme at the North York Moors National Park Authority via it’s WEG scheme (Water Environment Grant).