FIRST of all let me express my thanks for the reply of Anna Russell, Birmingham Property Manager, National Trust, to my letter in the 8th May issue regarding the piles of cow muck now littering Kinver Edge.

However I do not understand the reasoning of her reply.

Why are grazing herds vital to the future of the Edge?

How does the permission to let cattle graze on vast areas of the Edge help to preserve the wonderful views?

How does grazing help to control the invasive species such as gorse and bramble?

Perhaps my experience of life and the countryside is limited but I have never seen cattle eating gorse and bramble.

As I stated in my previous letter, I often visit Kinver Edge and I did so again this morning (Monday 2nd June).

Again piles of cow muck everywhere and various people I spoke to were as upset as I to see this see this defilement.

There is one very (once) beautiful spot at the top of the edge where a bench has been placed for visitors to sit for a moment and enjoy the wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.

The beautiful views are still there but unfortunately they are now accompanied by piles of muck all around the bench. What a travesty.

If this is progress and/or conservation then God help us all.

Perhaps we should be told if the National Trust are being paid to allow this grazing.

Ms Russell states that as a charity dedicated to conservation the National Trust has a responsibility to ensure that this protected habitat is properly managed and conserved.

I, personally, do not think that this includes allowing piles of cow muck to desecrate this wonderful area of natural beauty.

John Smith Norton