Today, July 10, this year’s cattle were released into the conservation grazing areas within the 15 acre water meadow which is part of Stonebridge Wild River Reserve. The two young heifers are both called Maisie ! Over the next few months they will gradually graze their way through the dominating vegetation thus helping to improve the biodiversity of the water meadow.
The Herefords belong to Martin Gibson, Grove Farm, Stitchcombe and are part of the same herd grazing in the Savernake Forest over the summer months.
“Over the years we are beginning to see a wider range of native wild grasses and flowers in the water meadow, because of the way we manage the area. Cattle are more environmentally friendly than mowing. We have recorded the first orchid in the area grazed by the livestock, which is really encouraging,” commented ARK’s Senior Project Officer, Anna Forbes. “The cattle are from Grove Farm, Stitchcombe, and we are extremely grateful for their support with this project.”
Dogs must be kept on the lead in the Reserve. Not only can dogs disturb the cattle, but during the bird nesting season (March to August) a dog bounding through the grasses on the river margins can harm wildlife. The Reserve has ground nesting birds and a breeding population of the endangered water vole. Dogs can kill vulnerable fledglings and water vole.
The cattle will be checked every day by the ARK(Action for the River Kennet) volunteer cow lookers. Call Martin on 07850859824 or Mike on 07977571672 if you notice anything that worries you.
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