Sheep are to begin grazing on an ancient hill fort in Malvern.

From next week sheep will be grazing in parts of British Camp in an effort to conserve the archaeological site.

Trees and bushes have crept up the 2,000-year-old monument causing concern that the roots could destroy the archaeology from beneath the ground.

As such Malvern Hills Trust has made the decision to contain a small flock of sheep on this land to help control the plants.

Beck Baker, community and conservation officer, said: “We work closely with the graziers and have chosen the quietest time of year to move livestock onto this busy part of the Malvern Hills.

“Grazing is essential in caring for this ancient monument and we ask everyone to keep their dogs on a lead within the compartment and near grazing livestock to avoid sheep worrying incidents.”

Typically, the sheep are free to graze on the southern hills however this decision has been made as it offers a “sustainable and natural way” to manage the vegetation growth.

A statement from the Trust read: “Sheep are used rather than cattle due as they are smaller and won’t damage the monument as they graze.

“It is not possible to manage the invading vegetation by machinery as this would damage the delicate archaeology and access on the steep slopes and ramparts would be impossible.”

Signs will be placed at the site to remind visitors of the livestock.

The public will still be able to enter the area however visitors are asked to keep dogs on leads to keep the sheep safe.

The trust has said that each year sheep are killed by dogs on the Malvern Hills and Commons.

Dogwalkers are reminded that due to the severity of the issue, police may become involved.