DANEBURY Hill is soon to welcome 80 new sheep to graze the land, keeping back rank grass scrub growth which could threaten the Hill Fort and rare downland flowers.

The 85 acre site is home to an Iron Age Hill Fort dating back to 550BC and an area of Special Scientific Interest due to the rare flowers such as burnt tip orchid and frog orchid which grow there.

Hampshire County Council, which owns the site, has already cleared the trees from the ramparts of the fort, and is now importing 80 sheep from the Isle of Man to prevent further scrub encroachment to protect the archaeology and enhance the wildlife.

Distinctive in colour, with a light brown fleece and chocolate brown face and legs, the Manx Loghtan sheep are best suited for the job as they are able to negotiate the steep ramparts better than cattle and are well adapted for the forage available.

A similar breed is likely to have grazed at Danebury Hill in Iron Age times.

Danebury Hill is visited by over 100,000 people each year, and was extensively archaeologically excavated in the 1980s.

Tomorrow, 29 May, the Hill Fort will be hosting a Rampart Tramp. The free guided walk will enlighten visitors about the fort's fascinating and grisly history with guests from the Brigantia Iron Age Re-enactment Society revealing how the Iron Age residents of Danebury really lived.

The Rampart Tramp begins at 1pm, and will meet at the top car park at Danebury.

The county council's executive member for environment, Councillor Keith Estlin, said: "Danebury Hill Fort is an important and unique part of Hampshire's history and I am delighted to see that its conservation is being managed with such traditional and environmentally sound methods."

The county council's executive member for recereation and heritage, Councillor John Waddington said: "Walks like these provide an excellent opportunity for people to learn more about Hampshire's history as well as the chance to make the most of our beautiful and varied landscape."

The Hampshire Grazing Project is a joint initiative between Hampshire County Council, The Environment Agency and English Nature that works to encourage appropriate grazing of conservation sites throughout the county.