Flowery moo-dow for calf

A rare breed Shetland calf was born this month at Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Bugdens Meadow reserve, just one day after the four cows arrived to graze the flower-rich meadows. 

Shetlands, which are full size unlike Shetland ponies, are a hardy breed that thrives on poor pasture, making them ideal for conservation grazing.  They are currently on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s ‘at risk’ list as numbers have reduced due to intensive farming.

Noel Bergin, from Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “The return of grazing animals to this site is a milestone for the reserve.  Shetlands are good at clearing scrub and cutting grasses, providing the ideal conditions for meadow flowers next season.  The cattle have taken to Bugdens Meadow and the birth of our latest calf as soon as they arrived has to be a good omen!”

Noel added: “We hope local people enjoy seeing the cattle on the meadow, but please do not feed or approach them now that there is a calf with them.  They are well supplied with both food and drink and checked daily.”

Please contact Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01202 692033 if you would like to help with volunteer work parties or with checking the cattle at Bugdens Meadow.