Waterhall golf course rewilding fencing 'dangerous'

Brighton and Hove City Council recently announced plans to rewild the disused Waterhall golf course, near Westdene in Brighton, sparking concern among dog-walkers that the introduction of cattle to the area will restrict their pets’ exercise space.

There are now fears for existing wildlife in the area, as the city council has introduced mesh fences with barbed wire, fuelling speculation that it could cause animals to become entangled or injured.

However, the council has hit back against these claims saying foxes and badgers will be able to dig under them and deers will be able to jump over.

New fencing alongside a hedgerow and footpath at Waterhall

One user of the Waterhall golf course, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she feels the council is determined to restrict public access to the area as much as it can.

She said: “The fences are definitely not wildlife-friendly, I doubt if even something as small as a hedgehog could get through them. 

"No badger or fox will be able to get through the fences and any deer seeking to jump over them will probably seriously injure itself.

“I can understand their concern about the ludicrous number of dogs being let off by commercial dog walkers, but they also say they are going to make it a rule that all dogs are kept on leads, so it seems that the only purpose of the fencing will be to restrict wildlife movement.

“I'm also mindful that the erection of the fences appears to be a work in progress so goodness knows where and how many there will be.”

The council said it is committed to protecting and enhancing a “truly unique” ecosystem that supports a “fantastic array of wildlife, including some critically endangered species”.

Fencing between grassland and a car park at Waterhall

Councillor Jamie Lloyd, chairman of the council’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “We reject claims that this fencing has a significant negative impact on wildlife. Decisions have been made with the welfare of wildlife at their heart.

“Foxes and badgers will dig under a stock fence. Deer can jump them, fences need to be a minimum of one and a half metres, and most other mammals are small enough to pass through the fence or will use the runs dug by foxes or badgers.

“We have put fencing up to enclose the site so that we can graze it with cattle. Gentle cattle grazing is an intrinsic part of the chalk grassland ilding strategy.

“The grazing will reduce competition from fast-growing species, allowing wildflowers to thrive.

“We have added additional fencing on the site to allow the site to be safely grazed. Most of the perimeter was already fenced, but for the safety of the cattle the perimeter fencing needs to be completed.”

The council had previously said that due to an increase in use by dog-walkers letting their pets run off-lead since the golf course’s closure, the area had seen a reduction in wildlife.

There are several nearby areas where dogs can be walked off leads including Three Cornered Copse, Coney Hill Woodland and Waterhall and Braypool Recreation Grounds.