Cattle return to Stoke Park

CATTLE have returned to Stoke Park for a third year running.

A herd of cows has grazed on the estate over the summer since 2021, as part of a city council project to manage the parkland in a "more sustainable and natural way", improving biodiversity.

The first heifers (maiden cows) and bullocks (castrated males) arrived at the end of April.

Breeds in the 18-strong herd include Shetland, Hereford, British Blue, and Holstein.

Announcing the latest arrivals, the council said: "The cows will be coming from a local farm and will be checked daily by the herdsman and park rangers.

"Most of them were grazing at the parkland last year but there are some newcomers this year.

"Breeds were picked for hardiness and being able to thrive well on grass alone.

"Cattle’s grazing habits can often get to places that machinery cannot, and they also help stop the spread of scrub and invasive, more dominant plant species.

"This allows other plants, including wildflowers, to thrive, which will encourage insects, which in turn provide food for birds and mammals.

"A whole host of wildlife will also make a cowpat their home - more than 250 species of insect can be found in or on cattle dung in the UK and these in turn provide food for birds, badgers, foxes and bats."

The land at Stoke Park was historically used for grazing cattle and plans to reintroduce them were first mooted in 2009, to produce meat for local schools and restaurants. Plans were revived in 2019 as a way of managing the landscape, following a trial project using goats.

The council says fields with cattle in will be clearly signposted and dogs will need to be kept on a lead while walking through them.

A spokesperson added: "Please ensure gates are closed behind you, too."