 Four rare breed cows have joined the team of wardens at Troublefield nature reserve, near Hurn. Dorset Wildlife Trust has acquired some helpful grazers in the form of the Shetland cows, named Jasmine, Luna, Leonie and Bryony. Shetlands, which are full size animals unlike the pony breed, are part of our heritage, but the fortunes of herds have suffered due to intensive farming and they are currently on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's 'at risk list'. Nigel Brooks, East Dorset Area Warden at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: "We think the Shetlands will make great wardens as they are calm, hardy and self-sufficient, just like the rest of the team! They thrive on poor pasture which makes them ideal for conservation grazing."
Troublefield is a 12 acre area of unimproved wet grassland, fen and alder woodland beside the Moors river. The site is a nationally important area for dragonflies, particularly the scarce chaser, as well as wild flowers. The new recruits have been given the job of cropping grass in the paddocks to allow flowers such as meadowsweet, devil's bit scabious and cuckoo flower to flourish. The animals will be looked after by Gary Clarke, grazing manager for Dorset Urban Grazing Heath Partnership (DUGHP), which includes Dorset Wildlife Trust, The Herpetological Conservation Trust, RSPB and local district councils. The cows are also part of a breeding programme and staff are waiting for news of tiny hooves, following the visit of a red bull from Scotland.
In the autumn, the cattle will be moved on to Sutton Holms reserve, near Verwood and then they will move to Upton Heath for the winter. They'll be joined at Upton by seasoned conservationists Tom Tom the donkey and Dolly and Teddy the Shetland ponies, who have already proved very successful, working for Dorset Wildlife Trust. The animals are also popular with local residents, who help with supplying water and keeping an eye on them. Nigel added: "All our grazing animals are doing a great job and we hope people enjoy seeing them out and about on the reserves, but please do not feed them. They are well supplied with both food and drink, but if you have any concerns, please ring us on 07970 552673."
|
