THE Malvern Hills Trust has turned to high technology in its efforts to maintain the ecosystems of the hills.

The Trust, formerly the Conservators, has been using a remote-controlled mower called Robocut to tackle scrub on the steep but delicate slopes of British Camp, the prehistoric hill fort.

Beck Baker said: "On sites such as British Camp, the sensitive archaeology means tractors cannot be used for mowing through brambles, gorse and saplings that are growing on the side of the monument. Heavy machinery would cause damage to the ramparts.

"Instead we have used a small, remote-controlled machine to clear some of the vegetation to protect the archaeology. The machine is very productive and can work on very steep slopes where it is difficult for staff to use strimmers. "

The machine is the product of Ludlow-based engineering firm McConnel Ltd.

The trust says that the work is essential to maintain the open grasslands which can be overtaken by scrub and trees creeping up the slopes of the hills.

A statement said: "Tree clearance is focused on where the vegetation is having a detrimental impact on the rare grassland, archaeology, geology, views and access and sites are carefully selected each year.

"Practical management is in addition to the grazing livestock which takes place all year round. Cattle and sheep nibble off the new growth and young saplings once an area has been cleared to keep it open.

"Without this ongoing work, the whole of the hills would eventually become wooded and many of the things that people come here to see, including the views, would be lost.

"Where once the hills were almost completely free of trees, one third of the Malvern Hills is now woodland, a habitat that supports a wide range of species from birds to rare bats.

"Conserving the woodland on the lower slopes of the Malvern Hills provides a home for these species whilst the upper hills are managed as open grassland for the benefit of people, wildlife and cultural heritage."