The use of Heath Common for grazing dates back to when the traveller’s site was built. 

The Council’s intention was that resident’s of that site could graze their horses on the land.  Commons are suitable for this provided that they are not overgrazed, however due to an unacceptable increase in horse numbers overgrazing is now occurring.

To protect our Commons the Council needs to formalise its procedures and introduce the measures listed below:

• To control potential disease and over grazing numbers are to be restricted to 1 horse per 2 acres.  This equates to a maximum of 30 Horses on Heath and 10 on Warmfield Common.
• Apart from those named in the Commons Register only horse owners who hold licences issued by the Council, will be granted approval for grazing.
• All horses must have valid passports or, as from the 1st July 2009, be chipped.
• All horses over 12 months old must be tethered.

Regular inspections will be undertaken by the Animal Health Inspector and the RSPCA to ensure animal welfare and the above conditions are adhered to.

Owners will be required to apply to Wakefield Council for a formal licence on an annual basis.  A limited number of licences will be issued.

Impoundment of ponies and horses

The Council employs a bailiff who, where necessary, will carry out planned and targeted action against owners and impound horses that are allowed to wander across public land.  We will provide the bailiff with regular information about the number and location of stray horses or that are tethered illegally.

Legal grazing on Council land

Only equines that hold grazing licences issued by Wakefield Council may be tethered on Council managed land.  Further that the Council has the authority to remove them and that all associated costs will be recovered from the owner through if necessary the sale of the horse.

The council owns a number of sites within the Wakefield District which it lets for horse grazing.  Grazing land is only offered on a 364 day licence agreement.  There is currently a waiting list for sites. 

If you wish to be placed on the waiting list and considered for the granting of a licence please contact Wakefield Council on 0845 8 506 506.