Conservation Interests
Gwen Finch Conservation Area, Birlingham, Pershore
Grazing is a key component of the management of wetland nature reserves. Key species such as Lapwing and Redshank breed on grasslands around pools such as those at Gwen Finch, and the right sort of cattle are needed to create the sward they favour – Short open areas for lapwing, where they can nestle down into shallow depressions in the ground and see approaching predators, relying on their camouflage to keep them hidden; tussocky areas of both long and short grass for birds such as redshank.
As cattle feed on the more succulent grasses and leave the tougher species it creates the more natural mosaic that cannot be achieved by cutting alone. Rare breed cattle are necessary to manage wetland nature reserves, as modern breeds often struggle to eat the courser vegetation that is best for wildlife.
Grazing is a key component of the management of wetland nature reserves. Key species such as Lapwing and Redshank breed on grasslands around pools such as those at Gwen Finch, and the right sort of cattle are needed to create the sward they favour – Short open areas for lapwing, where they can nestle down into shallow depressions in the ground and see approaching predators, relying on their camouflage to keep them hidden; tussocky areas of both long and short grass for birds such as redshank.
As cattle feed on the more succulent grasses and leave the tougher species it creates the more natural mosaic that cannot be achieved by cutting alone. Rare breed cattle are necessary to manage wetland nature reserves, as modern breeds often struggle to eat the courser vegetation that is best for wildlife.