I MUST add my support to Anna Russell and the National Trust for their positive and progressive conservation policy for Kinver Edge.

Grazing is essential for sustainable conservation of this important ecological site and beauty spot.

As dense woodland it would be a mediocre example, but that is what we would have without the hard work of volunteers combined with a good grazing regime going forward.

This magical site is the result of centuries of grazing, creating the ideal conditions for heather and the many other heathland species.

There have always been periods of lower grazing intensity when scrub has encroached, followed by more intense grazing and recovery of the heath.

However, the vast majority of the heathland that once covered southwest Staffordshire and neighbouring parts of Worcestershire has already been lost, firstly to land enclosure and arable farming and more recently to forestry and neglect.

Much of the National Trust site at Kinver Edge is already dense woodland or scrub, particularly the lower western and northern slopes.

For the last 25 years volunteers have worked hard to push back the scrub growth - gorse, birch, young oak and conifers. However, trees that are cut down regrow and new seedlings sprout. A grazing regime not only helps to consolidate the hard work of these volunteers but helps to sustain the quality of the heath which has after all evolved over centuries of grazing.

Degradation from neglect does not happen overnight so it is never so noticeable and does not result in the same uninformed outcry as any positive conservation action can so easily do.

The view that cattle do not eat gorse and bramble is a false one. Young seedlings and regrowth are soft fleshy and very tasty to grazing animals.

The right animal will graze tougher material. The breeds of grazing animal for conservation sites have to be carefully selected for their suitability and the National Trust have much experience in this - they are one of the largest land managers in this country.

They also have access to expert information from other charities, landowners and government agencies involved with similar issues. I am sure that the National Trust would be happy to consider any possitive advice or recommendations regarding grazing or management in general but I personally find Mr Smith's negativity very unimpressive.

With regard to cow pats they are a normal feature of the countryside.

They may sometimes be an inconvenience if cattle congregate around a seat but this is a matter for micro management not a reason to change the effective land management policy.

Those who have an intense dislike of cowpats should I suggest stick to parks, roads and arable land.

I look forward to the continuing progress from the magnificent efforts of our local volunteers, in combination with the expert and progressive management by our National Trust.

Trevor Duke, Kinver