Manure from commercial stables is classified as ‘controlled waste’ and subject to regulation under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994.

•  Analyse soil to find out the pH (acidity) level and nutrient status.  Your local agricultural supplier should be able to arrange soil sampling and testing.  Results will identify whether fertiliser/lime applications may be necessary in spring.  Routinely applying fertiliser without prior soil analysis can have a detrimental effect on the land, equine health and your wallet!

• Remove droppings from pastures regularly (if possible daily in summer and twice weekly in winter), to minimise pasture parasite levels and encourage even grazing.

• Do passers-by and potential clients get greeted by a steaming mountainous muckheap?  An average horse produces 9 tonnes of manure per year!  Horse-keepers have a ‘duty of care’ to store and dispose of manure responsibly.  Muck should be stored in an appropriate unit with vehicular access but not directly next to stabling.  Consideration must be given to neighbouring properties and rights of way.

Surrey Horse Pasture Project • www.surreycc.gov.uk/horsepastureproject • Tel:  01372 741783

Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty • www.kentdowns.org.uk • Tel:  01303 815170

Photo:  Kent Downs AONB

Text:  Kent Downs AONB & Surrey Horse Pasture Project