Conservation grazing at Battlemead Common

Livestock have been reintroduced to an area of Battlemead Common, north of Maidenhead, in an exciting new trial designed to help enhance biodiversity at the site.

Almost 40 cows - Herefords and a Belted Galloway - are now located in the east field, with some of the herd due to be moved into the north field soon. Both fields are designated as grazing marsh priority habitat by Natural England.

Conservation grazing is an effective and sustainable way to maintain and improve certain habitats and is used successfully across the country by various wildlife and conservation charities. It means areas don’t become overgrown, encouraging a diverse range of plants and animals, including invertebrates, amphibians, birds, and, in turn, small mammals to thrive.