The Hills and Commons are grazed by livestock all year round. This grazing helps maintain the open aspect, the wonderful views and the special wildlife habitats too.
Grazing is undertaken through MHT projects and also by local people who hold commoners rights.
As most of our land is Common Land, members of the public should therefore be ready to encounter livestock anywhere and at anytime. Dogs must be kept under close control at all times. If in doubt, put your dog on a lead.
Livestock within temporary electric-fenced enclosures can be found in the following locations:
Northern Hills
Cattle and sheep and lambs on East Worcestershire Beacon.
Central Hills
Cattle and sheep with lambs on West Pinnacle Hill.
Southern Hills
Sheep and lambs from British Camp to Swinyard Hill.
Old Hills
Cattle no longer on the Old Hills.
Map of grazing compartments (PDF)
Cattle and sheep with lambs can be found throughout Castlemorton and Hollybed Commons at this time.
You can sign up to receive weekly updates to your email inbox here. Stockwatch is also published in the Malvern Gazette every Friday.
Since 1st January:
Number of attacks - 4
Number of deaths - 2
Dog attacks on sheep are distressing for everyone involved; the sheep, grazier, dog and dog owner. By following signage and putting your dog on a lead near livestock you can put an end to these incidents and remove the worry when walking your dog in this farmed landscape. All breeds of dog could chase sheep and even well-trained dogs can become fixated on livestock, so please use the lead and don't put your pet in that position.
The above figures do not include the number of chasing incidents where a dog does not make contact with livestock. The Hills south of British Camp and the surrounding commons are not included in this tally.
Updated 3rd June 2019.
The Malvern Hills and Commons are registered Common Land. This means certain local people have legal rights to put livestock onto the land to graze without notice. Members of the public should therefore be ready to encounter livestock anywhere and at anytime.
Find out more about Common Land - Foundation for Common Land
Each and every year, we receive reports from the public and from the graziers that sheep and cattle have been chased and attacked by dogs. Livestock worrying is a criminal offence. To report livestock worrying by dogs, which includes chasing, on the Hills or Commons call the Police on 101. Please also call the office on 01684 892002 so we can alert the grazier to attend. The faster the animal can receive emergency veterinary treatment the better its chances of recovery.