The funding allowed the Wildlife Trust to install a water supply, improve fencing, purchase a tractor and use ‘Nofence’ collars for the cattle.

BBOWT’s East Berkshire Land Manager, Simon Barnett, said:

“We are delighted that we’re able to graze Wildmoor Heath again thanks to a grant from Grundon. Heathlands like this rely on grazing animals to create the right conditions for rare and common heathland plants and animals to thrive, and to conserve this wonderful landscape. 

“The cattle graze on faster growing plants allowing other, more delicate plants to grow. As they move around the site, they help break up areas of scrub and create areas of bare ground, which is important for a range of heathland wildlife including reptiles and certain species of butterflies. In the few weeks they’ve been on site, we’ve already seen the positive impact that the cattle are having.”

Ten Sussex cattle are at the nature reserve for the summer and early autumn. This is a traditional, hardy breed with a calm temperament and well-suited to the rough grazing. The ‘Nofence’ collars allow BBOWT to graze specific areas within the wider fenced extent of the reserve, targeting those parts that need grazing the most. They also add extra security should the fenceline become damaged. 

Visitors to the nature reserve should stick to marked paths, keep dogs on leads, close gates behind them and not feed the cattle. The animals are regularly checked by the grazier, BBOWT staff and volunteers.

Toni Robinson, Risk & Sustainability Director at Grundon, said:

“Grundon is pleased to have provided funding for the return of grazing at Wildmoor Heath. This project will deliver lasting benefits for the heathland habitat and support the conservation of rare species that depend upon it. We value the opportunity to contribute to BBOWT’s ongoing management of this important site and its efforts to safeguard the area’s biodiversity for the long term.”

Heathland is an important habitat in Berkshire and home to rare and threatened species such as Dartford warbler, nightjar, adder, grayling and silver-studded blue butterflies. Traditionally the habitat was maintained through a combination of grazing and cutting back woody vegetation like gorse and birch as part of subsistence agriculture. Without BBOWT’s management, including grazing, Wildmoor Heath would eventually turn into a woodland and the heathland’s special wildlife would lose their homes.

The Grundon donation was provided via the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF).