Cattle moo-ve back in for annual grazing programme

Cattle have returned to Derby’s parks as part of an annual grazing programme co-ordinated by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Derby City Council.

For the 10th year, the cattle will graze three of the council’s green spaces throughout the winter months.

Three Highland cows, named Megan, Minnie and Annie, recently arrived at Sinfin Moor Park Local Nature Reserve.

Meanwhile nine cattle, a mix of Highland and Short Horn, are grazing at Darley and Nutwood Local Nature Reserve.

Later in the season, the cattle will come together at Allestree Park, for what will be the 10th year of grazing on the site, as part of the continued wildlife enhancements on the park.

The scheme is part of the Higher Level Stewardship project, funded by Natural England.

The conservation programme offers several benefits. Cattle selectively graze, promoting biodiversity by allowing less competitive plants to thrive.

They also play a crucial role in managing grasslands and meadows.

Additionally, cattle create diverse habitats, such as bare ground for seedlings and dung piles for insects, birds and other animals.

Councillor Ndukwe Onuoha, the city council’s cabinet member for Streetpride, parks and leisure, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the cattle back for another year of this nationally acclaimed conservation scheme.

“This fantastic partnership with the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust proves how effective natural methods can be in enriching Derby’s precious green spaces.

“Their selective grazing is vital for boosting biodiversity, ensuring our parks remain beautiful and thriving habitats for all wildlife.”

Katherine Clarke, strategic lead for urban rewilding at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating 10 years of conservation grazing in Derby, working alongside Derby City Council.

“We desperately need wilder and more diverse habitats to help wildlife recover, and year on year we see first-hand how these incredible animals transform these spaces into richer, more vibrant landscapes.”