At our Walk With Cows event on 1st June we spent a lot of time standing amongst a herd of cows and calves. Owner Gareth Davies talked about why hardy cattle such as these North Devons are good for conservation grazing. Gareth is passionate about this breed developed on Dartmoor and Exmoor to survive extremes of winter cold and summer heat. This mirrors the climate at Allt Rhongyr reserve nestled between moorland and lowland pastures in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

The calves are generally born April to July and this is when the cows are most protective. They often go off and leave their sleepy young calves hidden in tall vegetation. Often people are unaware of livestock being in our reserves because there is so much scrub and long vegetation for them to hide in. For example earlier in the year, Gareth lost two sheep to a single dog attack. It is likely the owner was not aware that sheep had been turned out into the field. Therefore, when walking with a dog, if you step into a field and see hoof marks or fresh looking cowpat or sheep droppings- stop and think! And look out for our signs!

This herd are wearing GPS collars and by scanning a QR code on the gate anyone can see where the cattle are if they want to avoid them.

Leaving the herd behind we ventured onto the top area where the thin soils over the limestone produce some of the best areas of wildflowers. We hope that the cattle will help trample the bracken that constantly threatens to consume the site and its dainty wildflowers.

We spend several days each summer cutting the bracken by hand to maintain the grassland. If you can help by joining the volunteer work parties, please do get in touch s.coates@welshwildlife.org

Many thanks to Gareth Davies for giving his day to educate us all and giving some of us the confidence to walk where there are cattle.