This new project was the subject of this month's talk, by James Adler. The project got under way in 2007 (just in time for the foot & mouth outbreak!), when James was appointed Surrey Wildlife Trust Grazing Officer, and refurbishment of Pond Farm started. He is now established there, with a growing herd of cattle, and a cowman has been appointed.
As described in the preceding article, the purpose of the project is to maintain some rare habitats in the way in which they were sustained for centuries, by grazing (other means, such as volunteer labour, being only partially successful). The first target is lowland heath, a habitat which is limited by climate to the north Atlantic fringe, including all of Great Britain, but by geology to a much smaller area. Within this area, it has become so rare that England's little scraps make up much of what remains. This will be followed by an attempt to re-establish some of the chalk grassland on the North Downs, which has also shrunk to almost nothing in recent years.
The beneficiaries of the project should be a wide range of wildlife. On heathland this includes a great list of specialised plants and insects, some of our few reptile species, and `target' bird species such as the nightjar, woodlark and Dartford warbler.
Grazing is now carried out on Wisley Common, Thundry Meadows, Brentmoor Heath and Folly Bog, Bisley and West End Commons, and Ash Ranges. This latter site is grazed for the army on contract, and is the wildest place in southern Britain, according to James. Fortunately the Galloway cattle involved were bred on Dartmoor, and are used to the army! Highland cattle would be the ideal grazing animals, as they eat almost anything and are completely weatherproof, but apart from being a bit intimidating, they take up as much room in a trailer as four Galloways!
The Galloways come in three basic colours, black, tan, or chestnut, with a white stripe, the stripe possibly making them easier to see. Even so, they apparently have a talent for becoming invisible. Two `boss' cows have been fitted with GPS collars, from which signals are sent to a station in Germany, whence an e-mail to SWT headquarters in Pirbright allows their movements to be charted!
The herd's first calf was born in December 2007. Currently all calves are added to the herd, with the intention of reaching a total of 300 animals. This will make SWT one of the biggest grazers in Surrey, a substantial `farmer'. Already their beasts are being displayed at local agricultural shows.
The effects of the grazing on other wildlife are constantly monitored. There may be a few species which are disadvantaged, but it is all a question of balance. Stonechats have already learned to pick the flies from around the cattle's eyes, and jackdaws pluck hairs for their nests! Grazing is also likely to reduce the risk of serious fires, by decreasing the amount of flammable material in the soil.
James appealed for everyone's help to achieve the aims of the Wildlife Trust, whether through volunteer work on sites or at HQ offices, by supporting events, or just by being a member. We thank James for offering to give this talk, as a follow-up to our visit to Wisley Common in the summer.
Dick Alder