The newly appointed Sheriff of Oxford, Councillor Linda Smith, will carry out the annual inspection of Port Meadow and its livestock on 19 June, from 6pm, continuing a long-standing civic tradition.
As Sheriff, Councillor Smith has responsibility for the conservation of Port Meadow, one of Oxford’s most historic and significant natural assets. The Meadow, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is owned by Oxford City Council, has been used for grazing livestock for centuries.
Only the Freemen of Oxford and Wolvercote Commoners hold the historic right to graze livestock on the meadow. The Freemen's collective right to graze their animals was recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 and has been exercised ever since. Representatives of both groups will join the Sheriff for the inspection.
During the visit, the party will walk across the historic open green space, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), to assess the condition of the meadow and check on the welfare of the livestock grazing there.
Following the inspection, participants will continue another local tradition by heading to The Plough in Wolvercote for an Aunt Sally match between the Sheriff’s party and the Freemen of Oxford team.
Comment
"I’m looking forward to taking part in the annual Sheriff’s inspection of Port Meadow. It will be nice to keep up the ancient tradition and have some fun during the evening.
“But the event also represents the responsibility the City Council has for Port Meadow, and the care that is taken all year round by our dedicated staff working in various roles for the council and our wholly owned company Oxford Direct Services, to look after the meadow for the animals which call it home as well as the human visitors."
Councillor Linda Smith, Sheriff of Oxford
