The Cows Are Back!

15 Red Poll cattle, comprising Mama Cow and 14 yearlings, arrived at Mill Meadows today, 11th March 2023. They will all be moved to the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) fields, ie Cumborrow, Oakfield and Butchers (see map on the Visit page for the location of the fields) until the orchids start to appear. 5 cattle will be left in the SSSI all summer. There will be cattle in the other pasture fields after that ie Wantsfield, Coles, Hilly Field, Hurlocks, Old Mill Hill, Bottom Mead and Wards Hoppits. The condition of the pasture will be reviewed throughout the summer to decide how best to distribute the cattle. More cattle may be allowed back into the SSSI in late summer after the main season for wildflowers and insects to bring the sward down to provide more space for the flowers the following year. On the menu, see Visit/Cattle for information about the conservation grazing regime.