National Trust adds Galloway cattle to Hebridean sheep flock on Thurstaston Common

Jul 30 2008 by Sue McCann, Hoylake and West Kirby News

National Trust add Galloway cattle to Hebridean sheep flock on Thurstaston Common to manage rare lowland heathland

THE National Trust is working with a local farmer to improve the management of the rare lowland heathland habitat found on Thurstaston Common.

Six Galloway cattle are to join the trust’s flock of Hebridean sheep on the common in a bid to control invasive species like birch and pine.

Sheep already graze in the summer months to help to maintain the heather dominated landscape which is increasingly rare in the UK. Mixed grazing will help to produce a richer and more varied habitat due to the different grazing habits of the two types of livestock.

Thurstaston Common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition that it is the largest and best remaining example of this special heathland landscape on Merseyside.

The National Trust’s Wirral warden, Jon Twigg, said: “Native breeds are much more suitable for this type of grazing.

“Galloway cattle are an old native breed and are smaller than many of the non-native breeds like Friesians. Their hardiness and placid nature make them ideal for conservation grazing.

“The cattle will be joining the sheep on Thurstaston and will graze in the same paddock as the trust’s flock of sheep.

“Visitors already help the conservation project by keeping their dogs on leads as they pass through paddocks where sheep are grazing. The cattle will be of a young age but there will be no bulls or calves present and provided that dogs are prevented from running free, there should be no problems”.

The National Trust is committed to maintaining the heathland at Thurstaston and grazing is an effective way of achieving this.

The trust says it is delighted to be able to work with a local farmer to achieve better and more sustainable management of the heath so that this and future generations are able to enjoy the benefits that wild open spaces like Thurstaston bring.

The organisations says that everyone who uses the common can play a part by following the Country Code and letting National Trust wardens know of any concerns by calling 648 9887.