No gun fights scheduled at Burwell’s new corral

YOU’VE heard of the infamous O.K Corral, but lesser know to the residents of East Cambridgeshire is the newly approved Burwell corral.

Unlike its gruesome counterpart however, the Burwell corral will only be used to heard and inspect cattle unlike the O.K Corral which became famous as the site of bloody gunfight between outlaws and the local sheriff in the 18th Century.

Plans for the 12.8metre corral were submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council by the National Trust for its property Burwell Fen Farm, in Newnham Drove.

The trust plans to use the site to herd and check on the health of the cattle it grazes at Wicken Fen. The reserve’s herd of more than 40 Highland Cattle roam over hundreds of acres of land and help to keep the grass and plant life of the fen under control.

Case officer Scott Jackson, from East Cambs District Council, said in his report: “The propose cattle corral would have little impact on the character of the surrounding area and would be located in close proximity to existing agricultural buildings.

“The area surrounding the site is used for agricultural purposes, this involved some pastoral farming where cows are grazed on Wicken Fen by the National Trust.”