Cattle helping Chasewater Country Park’s heathland to thrive are being moved to a new area.
The five animals, which have been on loan from a local farmer since January, and moved them from a field on the north shore of to a new field next to the former site.
The cattle will continue grazing on the vegetation that is damaging and killing the rare heathland plants, which would have to be removed manually if it were not for the hungry cows.
Councillor Alan White said: “By grazing on the tree shoots and grass, cattle help us to manage this important and rare landscape. This natural heathland management means we do not have to employ contractors to cut back the vegetation, which is expensive and not such an effective way of increasing the range of heathland plants and wildlife.
“Because the herd of cattle is doing such a good job, we will be bringing more cattle to two more areas of the country park later in the year. These will still be open to the public, but we would once again kindly ask anyone visiting the new grazing sites to follow the Countryside Code, remembering to keep at a reasonable distance from the cattle, not to feed them, and to keep any dogs under control.”
