Great Scots roam Kent marshes

A herd (also known as a fold) of majestic Highland cattle has enlivened the landscape at a Kent Wildlife Trust nature reserve near Faversham.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Highland cattle arriving at Oare Marshes nature reserve © Kent Wildlife Trust

Twelve of these hardy grazers were released at Oare Marshes last week to help control a wide range of vegetation in this internationally important wetland site.

Reserve Warden, Kevin Duval, said: “We have transferred the cattle from our Hothfield Heathlands reserve near Ashford, where they have successfully kept invading scrub at bay. They are a wonderfully charismatic breed - intelligent, tough, docile, and adaptable and the perfect choice for the demands of a marshland habitat.”

This ancient Scottish breed eats plants at head height and on the ground as well as vegetation that other cattle would avoid. They use their long horns to bash through thick scrub and undergrowth - eating much of it as they go - and they willingly wade through knee-high water to reach preferred grazing.

 

© Kent Wildlife Trust : the largest active conservation charity in Kent, Reg Charity No: 239992

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