More cattle planned for Chasewater beauty spot site
More cattle are being introduced to a beauty spot to boost the number of wild flowers and to protect rare habitats.
The number of Dexter cows at Chasewater Country Park will be trebled from three to nine, under new plans revealed today.
Having cattle means that Lichfield District Council, who currently run Chasewater, do not need to manually remove tree shoots and scrub, as the animals do the job naturally.
And as a result of the grazing, the council has this summer noticed a big increase in the amount of wildflowers growing on the heathland.
To extend this good work, six extra animals are being introduced to the site this summer.
They will join the existing herd of three cattle in gently grazing the land.
The council hopes this will mean that even more wildflowers grow on the land, boosting biodiversity as the flowers encourage more animals to the site.
The cattle also do an important job keeping the precious heathland habitat under control.
Councillor Ian Pritchard, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Development Services, said: "Our countryside team has been working hard to bring back grazing to Chasewater Country Park, and after successfully introducing cattle to the park some years ago, we're all delighted that wildflowers are now thriving, and welcome the new herd of cattle to the country park.
"Although the cattle are friendly, we are asking all visitors to Chasewater not to approach them and to keep their dogs under control at all times."
Four of the cattle will get to work this month on Anglesely Basin, and two more will join the existing herd of three that are grazing on Chasewater's North Shore.
The presence of cattle on Chasewater does not mean the area is out of bounds.
The footpaths through the north shore fields are still open, but people are advised to keep their distance and not to feed them.
The cows were taken away from the site of special scientific interest for safety while the multi-million pound repairs to Chasewater Dam took place.
Lichfield District Council say the breed was chosen because Dexters are a small native species known for their hardiness and good temperament. Chasewater Country Park is an area designated as a site of special scientific interest.
