THE HISTORICAL importance of Petersfield Heath and it’s growing popularity is the focus of a five year plan to preserve and enhance the 91 acre beauty spot.

The heath management report and it’s conclusions were compiled CJH Agri-Environment Consultants on behalf of the South Downs National Park Authority.

Petersfield Town Council says the heath is the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the town, and is responsible for it’s upkeep, use and management, and will decide if the plan is adopted, or needs changes.

The report says the management of the heath must address the archaeological, ecological and recreational needs of the popular visitor attraction.

Coming in for scrutiny is the 20 or so Bronze Age burial mounds, or barrows, scattered across the western side of the heath.

Over the past four years, the People of the Heath project led by Petersfield Museum has overseen the excavation of some, uncovering pre-history items such as burial urns.

The report says: “This is an exceptional concentration of barrows, and on-going research is highlighting the overall importance of this site.

“For some urgent management is required. This will include tree removal as well as management of the immediate surrounding area through scrub clearance and tree removal.”

Around some barrows, the clearance should extend about 10 meters to improve visibility.

The report goes on to say that the heath grassland should be looked after by a specialist contractor.

“The aim should be to open up the award, increase structural diversity and encourage less competitive plants to thrive. It is expected that there is a good seedbank which will soon appear under this rotational management.”

It also says that the area of heather on a bank that falls away from Heath Road is consistent with reptile habitat and should be kept clear of bracken, the report suggests.

This is likely to be done by the Friends of Petersfield Heath volunteers, who along with council’s grounds team, do conservation and maintenance jobs on the heath.

The report is due to go before the councils’ ground committee tomorrow (April 13) at 6.30pm in the town hall council chamber. The meeting is open to the public.

The committee will either approve the report, or recommend it goes before the full council for further discussion. Councillors may also suggest changes to it before it is finally approved.