DOG WALKERS who head to the open spaces of Butser Hill have been urged to keep pets on a lead wherever sheep are grazing.

The sheep currently grazing around the summit need protecting as they’re part of a scheme to restore chalk grassland at the East Hampshire beauty spot.

The species-rich grassland on the hill overlooking Petersfield and Clanfield needs conserving as it’s a rare and declining habitat.

The sheep, which were recently introduced to the hill, will encourage rare native wild flowers to grow which support a variety of rare butterflies and wildlife.

“The sheep are used to keep the grass low, which enables the possibility of wild plants and flowers to grow through,” said a spokesman for Queen Elizabeth Country Park.

“If this is not carried out the grass remains long and allows the growth of brambles and weeds.”