Londoners intrigued by city sheep grazing

BRITAIN: Engaging a shepherd on the various merits of rare breed sheep was the last thing Wayne Blair expected to be doing on his lunch break in Green Park.

But for Blair, a civil servant, the sight of sheep grazing in the heart of London was enough to warrant a few questions, not to mention the obligatory mobile phone snap.

‘‘It’s a fascinating thing to see,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s hardly the norm in London. I’m intrigued.’’

In fact, grazing sheep could soon become a common sight in the Royal Parks if a trial project to revive Britain’s wild flower meadows, backed by the Prince of Wales, is successful.

‘‘Sheep are kinder to the land than a tractor or mower,’’ said Tom Davis, the shepherd, as he prodded his crook in a bale of straw.

‘‘They will graze on the tougher vegetation and, at the same time, push seeds into the ground to promote germination for next year.’’

Davis has taken up residence in Green Park for a week with six sheep comprising four rare breeds – the oxford downs, southdowns, whitefaced woodlands and a manx loaghtan.

The sheep, he said, are ‘‘commuter sheep’’ and will only be in the park from 9am until 5pm, when they will be driven back to their home – Mudchute Farm in East London’s Docklands. ‘‘They work usual office hours, commuting in the London traffic,’’ Davis smiled.

The rare breeds have been selected because, unlike modern commercial breeds, they can survive on the natural vegetation alone and do not rely on supplementary feed.

It is hoped this natural conservation method will tame the dominant plants, allowing flowers to flourish and a rich diversity of invertebrates to grow.

The initiative is part of the Royal Park’s year-long Mission Invertebrate project, which has received £600,000 (NZ$1.06 million) from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

For the tourists strolling to or from Buckingham Palace and the Londoners enjoying a brief escape from the office, the sheep were a welcome sight.

Davis, with his tractor and crook, not to mention Mavis, his Patterdale terrier (‘‘I couldn’t afford the stereotypical black and white collie’’), proved equally fascinating.

Against the background hum of the Piccadilly traffic, Davis said some of those who had approached him for a chat had never seen a sheep before.

‘‘This project is one hell of a thing, really,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m glad we have been able to be a part of it. Without the bugs and the beasties, you don’t have the foundation for anything else.’’

It will be several months before it is known if the trial was a success, when experts will compare the numbers of invertebrates and plants in the meadow with the part left ungrazed. A monthly invertebrate survey will also provide updates on progress.

If deemed worthwhile, shepherds and their sheep could become a regular sight, with provisional plans in place to introduce flocks to Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Richmond Park.

The Prince of Wales is a huge advocate of the project but, asked if he was expecting a royal visit this week, Davis gave a wry smile.

‘‘Well, I don’t know, I think he’s away at the moment,’’ he said. ‘‘What would I know? I’m just a humble shepherd.’’ – Telegraph Group