The newly appointed Sheriff of Oxford, Councillor Linda Smith, will carry out the annual inspection of Port Meadow and its livestock on Friday 19 June from 6.00pm, continuing a long-standing civic tradition.

As Sheriff, Councillor Smith holds responsibility for the conservation of Port Meadow, one of Oxford’s most historic and significant natural assets. The meadow, mentioned in the Domesday Book and owned by Oxford City Council, has been used for grazing livestock for centuries.

The Freemen of Oxford and Wolvercote Commoners retain the historic right to graze livestock on the meadow. The Freemen’s collective grazing rights, recorded in 1086, have been exercised continuously ever since. Representatives from both groups will accompany the Sheriff during the inspection.

During the visit, the party will walk across the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to assess the condition of the meadow and check the welfare of grazing livestock.

Following the inspection, participants will continue the tradition with an Aunt Sally match at The Plough in Wolvercote, where the Sheriff’s party will face the Freemen of Oxford team.