The conservation cattle grazing project at Forty Hall Estate and Trent Park was launched in partnership with Capel Manor College two years ago

Grazing cattle will be allowed to continue roaming two Enfield parks following a successful trial, Enfield Council has announced.

The trial conservation cattle grazing project at Forty Hall Estate and Trent Park was launched in partnership with Capel Manor College in summer 2023 to help restore vital wood pasture habitats and improve biodiversity.

Each cow is prevented from leaving the designated grazing sites within each park by a “virtual fence” – enforced via a GPS collar which “provides an audio melody that increases in pitch and volume as they approach the virtual boundary”.

The success of the trial now means the council will adopt cattle grazing in the two parks as a long-term practice.

Nearly 40 local volunteers, known as ‘lookers’ help to monitor the red poll cattle, specially chosen because of their docile nature. One of them said: “The cows have brought value in multiple ways, and they are a joy to see on walks at Forty Hall and Trent Park.”

Chinelo Anyanwu, the council’s cabinet member for environment, culture and public spaces, said: “From reducing the use of large mowers and consumption of fossil fuels to strengthening wildflowers, soil quality and the wider ecosystem, conservation grazing has so many benefits. Which is why I am overjoyed to announce the success of the trial and the continuation of the project.

“I would also like to extend my thanks to all the volunteers that made this project possible. Just like how cattle grazing is an important part of habitat management, volunteers play a key role to the work we do across Enfield.”

For more information and to enquire about becoming a volunteer looker for the cows:
Email [email protected]
Visit enfield.gov.uk/services/environment

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