Cattle are back to help wildflowers thrive in Three Rivers parkland

A herd of 12 Sussex Cows have taken up residence in the Horses’ Fields, between Furtherfield and Langley Lane in Abbots Langley, and 17 Sussex and Angus Cows also settled into their new surroundings at Chorleywood House Estate. Further sites due to be grazed in the coming weeks include Croxley Common Moor and the Withey Beds.

The herds will remain throughout the summer, subject to weather conditions, benefitting a wide variety of plants, animals, and birds under a plan known as conservation grazing. 

Cllr Aidan Bentley, the council’s Lead Member for Climate Change & Sustainability, said: “As an Abbots Langley resident, it always brings a smile to my face when I see the cattle are back! These beautiful beasts will make a massive difference to this grassland just by going about their normal activity here. They use their tongues to wrap the grass around and then pull it out, which is beneficial to grasslands as it creates variety. This helps create a large range of plant species with varying vegetation heights and helps wildflowers to grow.”

Cattle have been helping the council with its grassland management for the past five years.

Sussex cattle are an ancient, medium-to-large British breed native to the Weald of Sussex, Surrey, and Kent. Renowned for their rich, dark red coat and placid temperament, they are highly regarded for exceptional grazing efficiency.

Dog walkers are welcome to use the footpaths through the Horses’ Fields, but all visitors are encouraged to abide by the Countryside Code. To protect dogs, the cattle and ground nesting birds, dog walkers are reminded to keep their pets on a lead or under close control when entering the enclosed area during the grazing months. It is an offence to allow your dog to cause worry or disturb the cattle.

Cattle free routes are provided at Leavesden Horsesfield and at Chorleywood House Estate, where possible.