News

Introducing the latest alternative to the lawnmower: cows

Posted 15/10/2014

Cows are set to be introduced at a Worcestershire reed bed to help preserve local flora and fauna. A herd of six Shetland cattle will munch through the grass at the Coney Meadow site, located on the banks of the Droitwich Canal, for the next two months. 

The Canal & River Trust, which manages the reed bed, believes the cows can help preserve the biodiversity of the area, encouraging a range of flora and fauna to habitate there. 

The ecologist with the Canal & River Trust, Mark Robinson, said: "The cows were brilliant last year, so we thought we’d bring them back. They do so much good work, creating a real mosaic of habitats that are ideal for increasing the wildlife diversity of the site. Even after one season grazing you can spot the difference, with clumps of sedge, rushes and dog rose, all of which would be missed by mechanical grass cutting."