DEAR Mr Smith, re: How can such a stunningly beautiful spot get like this? - Stourbridge News May 2008.

I am sorry to read that you were so dismayed by the presence of grazing cattle on Kinver Edge following your recent visit to the site.

Just to explain, we are currently following a new planned programme of work, which is linked in with an Environmental Stewardship Agreement, in partnership with Natural England and DEFRA. We have already completed a similar 10 year scheme to restore over 26 ha of rare lowland heath habitat, manage scrub on the archaeological site and seek to restore species of rich, semi-natural grassland. This is an ongoing process and we are currently in year 2 of a new 10 year programme extending this area of grazing by a further 8 ha.

The Edge forms part of an extensive complex of nationally important heathland, a site of Special Scientific Interest which includes an Iron Age earthwork which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The site has, for many years, been grazed using both sheep and cattle which has helped to preserve the wonderful views and control invasive species like bramble and gorse. As a charity dedicated to conservation the National Trust has a responsibility to ensure that this protected habitat is properly managed and conserved.

I hope this goes some way to reassure you that the programme is being managed carefully by both the National Trust and Natural England. If you still feel concerned about this issue we would be more than happy to meet with you on site in order to discuss the current programme.

We will also show you the tremendous improvements to the site carried out by both the National Trust warden and Kinver volunteers who work extremely hard to maintain the stunningly beautiful spot' you describe.

Anna Russell

Birmingham Property Manager, National Trust