The newly-appointed Sheriff of Oxford, Councillor Mike Rowley, is set to carry out a traditional inspection of Port Meadow and its livestock tomorrow (17/6).
The Sheriff of Oxford is responsible for the conservation of Port Meadow. The inspection gives the Sheriff the opportunity to look at the quality of the meadow and its livestock.
The meadow, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book, is owned by Oxford City Council and only Freemen of Oxford and Wolvercote Commoners have the right to graze livestock on it.
Representatives of the Freemen and Commoners will join the Sheriff during tomorrow’s inspection.
As the inspection gets under way, the Sheriff and his party will walk across the historic open green space, which is a site of special scientific interest, to check that the meadow is being properly maintained and on the welfare of the livestock.
After the inspection, the Sheriff and his party will retire to The Plough, in Wolvercote, for a traditional Aunt Sally match against the Freemen of Oxford’s team.
“I’m honoured to be carrying out the long-standing tradition of inspecting Port Meadow and its livestock.
“Port Meadow plays an important role in the life of Oxford, and the inspection helps ensure the continued high maintenance of the natural asset.”
Councillor Mike Rowley, the Sheriff of Oxford
Rate this page
