Cattle don’t like dogs

Despite recent concerns about the safety of walkers from cattle, Dorset Wildlife Trust wardens have given full marks for the work done by cattle on their reserves.  

Results have been so good that a team of new recruits has joined the east Dorset team this season. The rare breed Shetland cows, Leonie, Luna, Jasmine and Bryony have been cropping grass to allow flowers such as meadowsweet, devil’s bit scabious and cuckoo flower to flourish.

Ian Smart, West Dorset Manager at Dorset Wildlife Trust does not report any problems with people and cattle, but advises the public to be on the alert when walking with a dog.  “Cattle just don’t like dogs – ours don’t even like my dog, so you need to keep an eye on them.  If they do become threatening, just let your dog off the lead and let it run away.”

If you come across livestock when out walking on Dorset Wildlife Trust reserves:
• Keep your dog on a lead, letting it off only if you are threatened by cattle
• Do not feed any livestock - cattle, ponies and donkeys on reserves are fed and watered
• Do not go close to cattle with calves
• If you have any concerns, ring 01305 264620.

Nigel Brooks, East Dorset Area Warden, adds: “Cattle do an excellent job for us, helping to maintain important habitats, including heaths and grassland, removing unwanted vegetation to leave a suitable environment for the rarer plants and wild flowers such as orchids.”