CATTLE are about to be introduced onto the Malvern Hills, bolstering attempts to manage the environment through grazing lifestock.
Malvern Hills Conservators, which already owns a flock of sheep, have bought cattle and equipment with a £20,000 grant from the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund, administered by English Nature.
The cattle will graze between North Hill and Wyche Cutting. The grasslands have been under threat from the encroachment of small trees and shrubs.
"We have decided to use cattle as they are less prone to worrying by dogs, than sheep, and that part of the Hills has a very high number of local dog walkers," said conservator's conservation officer David Whitehorne.
"The breed we are using are Galloway and Belted Galloway because of their extreme hardiness, and ability to cope with rough and steep terrain.
"Visitors should not feel threatened as Galloways are quiet, relatively small and unimposing, they have no horns and are generally oblivious to visitors and not disturbed by dogs."
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