Cattle will be on dunes for a few weeks yet
THE winter shift is almost over for the hardworking livestock on the dunes at Ainsdale and Birkdale, but it is vital that all visitors remember that these sites are nature reserves first and foremost and must be treated with respect.
Belted Galloway and Longhorn cattle and Herdwick sheep graze the dunes each winter, feeding off rank vegetation left after the previous autumn, and in the case of the cows, breaking up the ground to open up areas of bare sand so vital for key dune species in the breeding season.
There are still 12 superb Longhorn cattle grazing the dunes at Birkdale Local Nature Reserve, and these magnificent animals will be around for a few weeks yet. If you are planning on visiting the reserve, please remember to keep dogs under close control and if you are walking through the enclosure with a dog and see the cows, please change route so you do not approach them.
A recent tragic episode saw one of the cattle found dead on this site. A post-mortem on the animal confirmed that the otherwise healthy animal had suffered from exhaustion and stress consistent with having been chased.
Gordon White, Green Sefton’s conservation officer, said: “Each winter, we bring grazing animals onto the Local Nature Reserves to help control vegetation growth. Our team cares for these animals every day and have great concern for their welfare and well-being.”
He added: “The small herd of Longhorns has not been with us long and it’s shocking and sad to learn that one of them has apparently died in this way. These cows are docile animals and used to seeing people, but we do suggest that if people do come across the cattle, they should turn and walk the other way to avoid disturbing or spooking them.”
Lancashire Wildlife Trust, one of Sefton’s coastal conservation partners, was dismayed to find one of the cattle from the herd they had provided had died.
A spokesman for the wildlife trust, which owns the cattle explained: “This would not have been a quick death for our animal and it would have suffered extreme distress at the time.
“We feel sure that no one would want these animals to suffer in this way, and so appeal to all visitors to
A stunning shot of the Longhorn cattle at Birkdale by Green Sefton volunteer Theresa Hobes the site to ensure that if they are walking their dog(s), to please keep them on a lead whilst in the enclosure and if you do spot the cattle take a wide route around them so they are not unnecessarily disturbed. There are lots of alternate walks in the vicinity that do not go through the enclosure and the cows are only on site for a short time each winter.”
It is clearly an opportune time to remind all visitors to the coast’s nature reserves that these sites must be treated with respect - never disturb habitats or wildlife.
Visitors should observe the Countryside Code – just as they should when visiting any nature reserve or area where livestock graze – and familiarise themselves with Sefton’s Coastal and Visitor Areas Public Space Protection Order – you can find details online at: https://www.sefton. gov.uk/around-sefton/coastal-andvisitor-area-pspo/
This order contains a list of activities that aren’t allowed and helps to protect the sensitive environment of the coast.
John works for Green Sefton, the Sefton Council service which brings together the Coast & Countryside, Parks & Greenspaces, Flooding & Coastal Erosion, Risk Management and Grounds Maintenance teams for a joined-up approach to the vital management, development and oversight of Sefton’s beautiful coastline, parks and green spaces.
John works for Green Sefton, the Sefton Council service that brings together the coast & countryside, parks & green spaces, flooding & coastal erosion, risk management and grounds maintenance teams for a joined-up approach to the vital management, development and oversight of Sefton’s beautiful coastline, parks and green spaces. This column looks at the flora, fauna and history of the coastline, and the work carried out to protect it.