A TRIAL of the reintroduction of Belted Galloway Cattle to Lynchmere Common has ended successfully in what is a major turning point for Cow Club; the not-for-profit community organisation set up to provide conservation grazing on the commons.

Grazing of the commons is vital for the conservation of the rare habitat of lowland heath as it maintains a mix of vegetation across the commons. The cows naturally vary their diet throughout the year browsing the gorse, silver birch, bramble, holly and heather heather.

The future of grazing on the commons has been in question ever since the tragic accident in January 2019 in which Hillary Adair was killed after the herd of cows, having been worried by dogs, stampeded her.

Hillary was herself a supporter of grazing and a very active and influential figure in the history of the commons themselves, having been instrumental in organising their initial purchase.

After the accident Cow Club members decided that the organisation would work towards restarting grazing, with different animals and new safety systems in place.

?“During lockdown the commons have seen their highest ever footfall,” said a spokesperson for the Cow Club.

“The success of the trial during this very busy time really shows the viability of the scheme, the cows behaved beautifully, and no complaints were received.

"We’ve been getting new members, and a lot of positive feedback."

The organisers of Cow Club have been working with reduced stock numbers, under the watchful eye of experienced stockman David Neal, who came to the role in 2020.

With the support of both The Lynchmere Society and the Heathlands Reunited Project, Cow Club director Edwin Brooks met with different experts and organisations from across the country to gain more insight and share information about safety and best practice.

Along with new director Gareth Hopkins, who brings a wealth of experience, the Cow Club has new safety systems in place, including a dedicated emergency phone line, new handling equipment provided by the Heathlands Reunited Project and very visible and informative new signage around the site.

Hillary Adair’s daughter Sue Beresford, herself an experienced stockwoman, has lent her support to Cow Club during the trial period of grazing, working closely with David Neal and the team to ensure the safety of the cattle and the public, and assisting them with movements and inspection of the cows.

The cows will now spend some time in The Lynchmere Society’s fields where the breeding cows are to be visited by a bull in view of increasing the herd.

Further grazing of the commons is planned in due course. The public will be notified in advance and the very visible signage will show when and where the cows are to be found on the heathland.

The organisation relies on its membership.

Members attend events, are kept updated by regular emails and have exclusive access to any beef the herd produces. You can become a member at www.lynchmeregrazing.com