The Grass is always greener ...

They say the grass is always greener on the other side, and Joshua, our short-legged Dexter cow, certainly proved this when he escaped his enclosure at Pondtail, near Fleet, to graze the grass along the Basingstoke canal towpath! A concerned passer-by called the Trust, and the adventurous cow was finally coaxed back into his field, at the dead of night, using a bucket of cow nuts, none the worse for his adventure!

Joshua is one of six short-legged Dexter bullocks which currently graze this important heathland site. Originating in Ireland in the 1800's, Dexter cattle are a mountain breed, which makes them perfect for grazing uneven terrain and steep slopes. They also love invasive plants such as bramble which can quickly crowd out the rare plants found on heathland. They are as hardy as goats, but unlike goats they can usually be contained by fences! This makes them perfect conservation grazers.

Joshua and the gang have done a wonderful job in opening up the heathland at Pondtail. They will be returning to their home turf of Noar Hill Reserve, near the village of Selbourne, later in the Spring.

That's all for now!

Oliver

Conservation Trainee
Grazing Project