Recently, Norfolk was reported to be one of the best places in the world to visit. But did you know that some of Norfolk’s iconic landscapes and richest wildlife habitats owe their existence to cows?
The presence of these living lawnmowers, having the right breed in the right numbers and at the right time, enable the management of habitats in a way that is almost impossible to achieve through other means.
Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT) has a long history of using domestic livestock to help manage its sites. And in recognition, has won a prestigious national award for its handsome herd of British Whites in the Brecks. Laura Davey, Conservation Stockperson for NWT, collected the award for best new herd at the British White Cattle Society‘s annual general meeting, held in Somerset. This followed judge Mark Kennett, travelling the length and breadth of the country examining herds of various sizes.
Why breed British Whites?
The Trust have kept British Whites for around ten years. This year, a breeding programme was launched to increase the size of its herd to support future conservation work across Norfolk. British Whites may be seen on sites right across the county. Their grazing has helped to restore heathland on Roydon Common, and create ideal conditions for nesting wading birds such as lapwings at Upton Broad.
“The way cattle graze is by pulling up tufts of vegetation with their long rough tongue, creating a sward of various heights,” said Jon Preston, NWT Conservation Manager. “The physical action of grazing, trampling of vegetation, dunging and disturbance of the soil create a rich mosaic of habitats that allow a wide range of species of plants, invertebrates, mammals and birds to make their home.”
Observed benefits at NWT sites
At Upton Broad, the British Whites have produced areas of low grass, favoured by the birds for the clear view they get of any approaching predators. The tussocks of grass provide many insects for chicks to feed on. And the cows’ feet create habitats by making miniature ponds as they tread into the soft soil. All in all, the cattle produce the ideal conditions for the lapwing, whose breeding numbers have declined by 80% since 1960.
In the Brecks, following a dramatic reduction in the rabbit population, cattle are being used to restore heathland sites. They remove rank vegetation that allows closer cropping of the grass by sheep and the remaining rabbits. This creates the ideal habitat for specialist birds such as the stone curlew, and plants like the endemic Breckland thyme to thrive.
Meanwhile, in West Norfolk, where the British Whites graze on Roydon Common, the cattle break up tussocks of dominant purple moor grass, as well as eating invasive species such as birch and willow. Left unchecked, these plants would quickly establish on the site which is a complex and fragile mosaic of heathland and swampy, boggy ground. The consequence of the demise of heathland is the loss of at-risk and protected bird species such as the nocturnal nightjar and the secretive woodlark.
White and winning
The hardy British White cattle are very suited to conservation grazing in East Anglia and can spend all year outside without any supplementary feeding. Their white coat means they are able to cope with high temperatures in the summer months. “It also allows them to be spotted from a distance,” quips Preston, “something our volunteer checkers are very grateful for!”
“It’s an honour to receive the award. I am incredibly proud of our prize-winning herd, and of all the wonderful Norfolk Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers who care for them,” says Preston. “We’re excited to have had a successful first year of breeding our cattle, and are looking forward to seeing even more of these beautiful animals across our sites supporting Norfolk’s wildlife in years to come.”
Norfolk Wildlife Trust was established in 1926 and now manages over 50 nature reserves and other protected sites around the county, including ten kilometres of coastline, nine Norfolk broads, nine National Nature Reserves and five ancient woodlands. They endeavour to create a sustainable environment for people and wildlife; where the future of wildlife is protected and enhanced through sympathetic management; and people are connected with and inspired by Norfolk’s wildlife and wild spaces.
