Sussex Wildlife Trust – Why do we Graze Livestock on Seaford Head Nature Reserve?

Sussex Wildlife Trust

Why Do We Gr aze Li vestoc k on Seafor d Head Natur e Reser ve?

I’m sure many Seaford Scene readers know Seaford Head well and will have seen the cattle and sheep on the site at various times of the year. Have you ever wondered why they are there? Livestock select different plants, and even different parts of the plant, to nibble or browse. Over time, this creates a varied structure within the habitat. It is this that helps create the right conditions for a wide range of insects, birds, and plants to exist. nationwide increase in dog-faeces-related diseases

Sussex Wildlife Trust has its own livestock and a dedicated grazing team to look after them. Conservation grazing is a really important tool for managing many habitats. Without this input, as well as the many hours put in by our volunteers and some mowing, the area would become completely overgrown with scrub and we would lose the diversity of habitat and wildlife. You can find more information about this on our website.

Last winter we extended the grazing area above the Coastguard Cottages to include Hope Bottom and the ten cows did a great job. We choose breeds that are not only happy on rougher vegetation but are docile and well behaved. On the eastern side of the Reserve, adjacent to Seaford Head Golf Course, we graze sheep. They are kept in electrically fenced compartments which we move around giving them a few weeks on each patch. We never put fences across a Public Right of Way and try to avoid other paths or ‘desire lines’, but occasionally you may be asked to make a slight detour when walking there. Signs give information about the location of livestock.

Grazing and Dog Walkers – if you are a dog owner please read this!

The Nature Reserve is a popular dog walking area. If you are visiting with dogs please follow these guidelines: • For the sake of the sheep please put your dogs on a lead when in the vicinity of the flock. When meeting sheep with your dog, it can be stressful for

if chased when pregnant can abort lambs. Sheep are easily brought down by a dog, which will often injure or even kill them. • Coming across cows does not mean you have to put your dog on a lead. In fact if an inquisitive cow wants to take a look it is better for you if the dog is free to get out of the way. The cow is usually more interested in your dog than you. • Dog poo spreads disease. There has been a both yourself and the sheep. A sheep will often run and

affecting livestock. Animals can die, and unborn lambs and calves can be aborted. Please bag it and bin it.

Not only is the Reserve a beautiful place, but it is home to many nationally rare and significant species of plants, birds and insects, recognised by the designation of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI, often referred to as a ‘triple SI’) giving it legal protection. It is also part of the Sussex Heritage Coast and the Beachy Head West Marine Conservation Zone. Whether you are visiting for a walk, to see wildlife, to exercise your dog, have a picnic, or just sit and enjoy the superb views, please look after this special place. I know many of you really value it, often picking up litter when you visit. This has helped to keep the Reserve tidy during a very busy time over the last few months – thank you very much.

If you would like to volunteer or join the Trust please see our website: sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Sarah Quantrill, Site Ranger, Sussex Wildlife Trust