Grazing Stock
The British White cattle are part of the grazing stock owned by Horsham District Council, moved around the whole of the Horsham district. When here, they are especially important to the upkeep of the wet meadows and they are introduced to these and other fields each autumn to graze the grass regrowth after the hay-cut. Docile, hardy, long-lived and easy to keep are key qualities. These bulls can each weigh up to one tonne.
As the countryside warden team comment, “Their gentle grazing creates space for wildflowers, supports pollinators, improves soil, and naturally manages scrub. Herbivores like our cows selectively graze grass which creates a patchwork of different plant heights and structures. They also disturb the ground with their hooves, which helps seeds to germinate and improves the soil structure. These varied habitats that grazing animals create are essential for many ground nesting birds and pollinators such as butterflies.“
Permanent farm grazers are currently two Llamas, that arrived in 2011, accompanied by a single Pygmy goat, once part of a larger herd of goats and sheep. Horsham District Council hopes to increase the number and variety of its grazing animals in future.
