Cattle in the City

Derby Parks have got some special visitors this winter as cattle come to the city as part of Derby Parks’ conservation grazing project.

 

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust have brought cattle and sheep on to three of Derby’s local nature reserves, as part of the Higher Level Stewardship project funded by Natural England. 12 hardy Highland cows and currently 12 black Hebridean sheep will be carrying out vital munching to ensure the most delicate wildflowers have a chance to shine. Not only do the animals eat grass but they also crash through small trees and tall herbs to ensure the grassland meadow areas stay at their optimal state for nature conservation

 

The cattle are currently grazing on Allestree Park Local Nature Reserve, Darley & Nutwood Local Nature Reserve and Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve. This year marks the first time that Sinfin Moor Park has been grazed, following the success of the grazing on the other parks in previous years.

 

This is an example project in the East Midlands region and has won national awards for innovation. Since its inception on Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve, the orchid numbers have increased tenfold with hundreds now visible during summer.

 

Find out more about Derby Parks’ Local Nature Reserves at inderby.org.uk/parks

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