conservation grazing

[stuart n]

I've been contacted by a group planning to restore orchards and other important grassland locally. They also plan to reintroduce grazing to parts of the Wyre Forest

They're seeking my involvement in an advisory capacity, probably with their own herd. Dexters aren't top of their breed list but having kept them for many years I will certainly be pushing for them. What would be really useful is if anyone has experience of dexters used in conservation projects that might help demonstrate their suitability. I certainly think dexters would be the best option for orchards

Many of the sites are small and fragmented, might it be possible for them to be encompassed within one holding allowing movements between sites without TB tests and other movement restrictions? Some land will be under different ownership but a community land trust will over see it's management

Acorns presumably could present a problem when grazing the woodland pasture. How late in the season could they be allowed to graze? Would this vary greatly from one year to another? Are acorns safe for sheep?

Some areas have public access what are peoples thoughts of animals with horns, cows with calves/ calving and bulls in such areas?

The merits of this scheme are clear to see, but the management of animals within such a scheme appear very difficult, yet without grazing animals the project objectives can't be achieved!

Stuart
melgrove dexters worcestershire

[Pennielea]

stuart n
I recommend that you visit Grazing Animals Project at www.grazinganimalsproject.org for information on species and breeds suitable for a varirety of conservation habitats including Dexters.

Ian

[Jo Kemp]

I believe that distance between parcels of land matters. Certainly in Scotland and probably in UK. To make life easier, the different areas should be under the same holding number. I think ownership does not matter so much. If in different parishes this cannot be obviously!

However, I would be very careful if other farmers are also grazing the areas - communal grazing = increased risk to disease. Most interesting though if you are the only user! Good luck

Acorns - so many different views! Each year varies a bit owing to weather. One local farmer told me that if the animals (sheep or cattle) had enough grass/silage there would be little trouble. Every now and then you get an animal, especially sheep, which becomes addicted to the taste. Had one which broke down fences to get to yew. She was on a small area round a cottage acting as a mower! Other farmers are paranoid about acorns. How about getting some pigs (with rings in nose if that is still allowed, to stop digging .... you wouldn't find any truffles though!) I am wary of acorns and have fenced off the groups of oak trees, leaving only the trees bordering the fields.
Best wishes Jo

[Louisa Gidney]

We have a conservation grazing officer up here in NE who co-ordinates wildlife trust, council etc grazing. He is very pro Dexters. However it has taken a couple of years to finally get a pair of cows onto a trial plot. If the grazing is more than 5-10 miles away (check with BCMS) then the conservation grazing needs a holding number to set up the grazing link. BCMS are incredibly helpful about doing this. Dexters with horns are seen as a positive advantage where public have not been sticking to paths/keeping dogs on leads where there are ground nesting birds. The rangers have put up clear signs that horned cattle are in the field. I have previously sold horned cattle to do this job. After the initial outrage & I'll consult my lawyer reaction from the locals, the village has virtually adopted the cattle, take them treats & provide regular watch for the owner at calving time.
The main point is that the cattle should be quiet and well handled, halter trained, used to dogs & not easily spooked. No-one will thank you for putting out a bunch of wild stirks. This is where the bomb proof old cow comes into her own (despite Defra wanting to murder everything pre Aug 96).
Can't comment on acorns, oak trees are a rare sight at 1000ft OD!

[bjreroberts]

Many of the sites are small and fragmented, might it be possible for them to be encompassed within one holding allowing movements between sites without TB tests and other movement restrictions? Some land will be under different ownership but a community land trust will over see it's management

Get all the individual parcels of land included on a Sole Occupancy Authority.

My holding number is based on my home address in a residential street. I then have the parcels of land I use covered by the SOA so I can move the animals between them without submitting movements to BCMS (you still have to keep a record).

I believe the land in SOA's can be up to 50km apart.

You will need to contact your Animal District Health Office, who will then arrange for your nominated vet to come and complete the form and inspect the land (there is no charge to you for this).

My vets had never done one, so I prepared most of the paper work for them to sign. I will email you the blank forms.

Good luck.

Ben



Edited By bjreroberts on 1197130561

[ann]

I've just had an enquiry from someone intrested in using dexters requesting information on conservation grazing and thanks to Ian I have been able to point him to the site you reccommended however the
correct address is http://www.grazinganimalsproject.org.uk/

thanks anyway

Ann