Cows grazing at marsh common

MAIDENHEAD: Livestock has been reintroduced to Battlemead Common, in a trial aimed at enhancing biodiversity at the site.

Almost 40 cows – Herefords and a Belted Galloway – are located in the east field, with some of the herd due to be moved into the north field soon.

Both fields are designated as a grazing marsh priority habitat by Natural England.

Grazing is a way to maintain and improve certain habitats and is used across the country to prevent areas from becoming overgrown.

Later in the autumn, the cattle will be removed from the fields to prevent overgrazing and sheep will be placed on just the east field.