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Visitors to GWT’s Pentwyn Farm Reserve and
New Grove Meadows may have noticed that the
fields are being grazed by a flock of sheep. For the first time in the
Trust’s history it has taken ownership of its own livestock following a desire
to exercise greater control over the grazing regime’s on its reserve. The
flock of 33 Hebridean sheep
consists of 17 ewes, a ram and 15 ewe lambs.
With the exception of the ram, the sheep
came to GWT courtesy of Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Hebrideans are a popular breed for conservation grazing because, in
comparison to other sheep breeds, they can thrive on vegetation that
is poor in energy. They are therefore ideal for aftermath
grazing species rich hay meadows which, in order to maintain their
wildflower richness, do not receive regular applications of
fertiliser. They also have a hardy nature and will eat a
variety of vegetation types including scrub. This makes them a cost
effective and versatile tool in conservation land management.
The flock will chiefly be used by GWT for
aftermath grazing hay meadows. Grazing is a vital part of
grassland management which controls coarser grasses and scrub that
potentially threaten wildflower meadows. It also aids seed
germination and structural diversity of the grassland.
However, grazing needs to be carefully managed – with the
appropriate breed, the appropriate number of animals, for the
appropriate time - in order to achieve the desired result.
Having a flock of its own will now hopefully allow the Trust to take
greater control of the grazing regimes on its reserves which, owing
to their delicate nature, need sensitive management.
The ewe lambs will be kept for breeding once they
are 18 months old. As the flock has organic status, it is
limited to grazing the Trust's organic reserves. although in the
future GWT would like to develop a 'flying flock' to help graze
other important grassland sites in Monmouthshire.
Since arriving at Pentwyn Farm in September 2009, the
flock has been checked over by shepherdess Cathy Wainwright who held
a training course for GWT staff and volunteers. As a result we
now have a band of trained volunteers who help support experienced
staff within the Trust with daily checks of the flock. So far
the sheep have settled in well to their new Welsh home and already
doing a great job for us!
For more information about the flock or about
coming an assistant shepherd, please contact the Trust’s Farm and
Wildlife Development Officer, Tim Green, on 01600 740600.
Email
tgreen@gwentwildlife.org
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