A HERD of cattle has been let loose in Worcester as part of a plan to preserve grasslands and wild flowers.

The 21-strong herd of hand-reared cattle was released today (Thursday) on Ronkswood Hill Meadows, as part of an annual conservation exercise by Worcester City Council.

The cattle will be allowed free rein on the local nature reserve site as part of the initiative is designed to act as a natural and cost-effective way of keeping the grass short enough to allow the vast array of wildflowers in the area to get sunlight to grow and hopefully thrive.

Warwick Neale, Community Engagement Officer at Worcester City Council, said: “This is the eleventh year in succession we have brought cattle to this city site.

"We introduce the cattle for around six months in a bid to regain some of the traditional benefits of natural stewardship.”

The meadows are home to a wide range of wildflowers including black knapweed, cowslips and birdsfoot trefoil but if grass grows too high these flowers will not flourish.

The cattle will therefore play a pivotal role in boosting the flora and fauna as well as producing other positive spin-offs such as an increase in butterflies and improvements to the natural soil environment.

The city council will put up signs on Newtown Road and Tolladine Road to warn walkers and dog-owners to take a little extra care and keep dogs on leads or under close control when cattle are nearby.

Mr Neale said: “The sudden re-appearance of cattle may take a few people by surprise but the animals will probably be too busy chewing the cud to take notice of any passers-by.”