The council has been grazing cattle in Pishiobury Park since 2008, with the aim of managing the landscape and its habitats by allowing the cattle to clear invasive tall grasses, as well as scrub and sapling trees in environmentally sensitive areas, creating a more species-rich spread of other grasses and wildflowers in the park. By turning over the ground with their hooves, and through the natural fertilisers they produce, the cattle will help plant-life in the park thrive.
The Longhorn and British White cattle grazing Pishiobury Park are known for their docile nature, and each animal brought to the park is handpicked by our Hertfordshire graziers – Maydencroft Farm - to form a herd with a suitable temperament.
Maydencroft Farm will be on-hand at the park’s picnic area on Thursday, 9 April (10AM – 12PM) to talk with residents about the cattle, what they are doing in the park, and what the public can do to ensure people and animals are kept safe during their visits. It follows the introduction of new laws, which sees owners face unlimited fines if their dog chases or causes distress to livestock. Hertfordshire Police and the Countryside Management Service (CMS) will also be there to talk with the local community, whilst the Friends of Pishiobury Park will be looking to recruit new volunteers to help improve and maintain the park.
Councillor Sarah Hopewell, Executive Member for Wellbeing, said: “It’s great to see the cattle returning to Pishiobury Park again – this is always an especially exciting time of year in the council calendar! As well as hopefully bringing smiles to many Pishiobury parkgoers, the cattle are doing very important work by helping us to manage the park’s environment in a sustainable way.
“Last year, there were, sadly, reports of dogs chasing cattle. We hope our event on 9 April will help remind dog owners of the importance of keeping dogs under control around the cattle, and show people how to report any concerns if they see something.”
“I would ask parkgoers to please observe the Countryside Code whilst enjoying the park and its new residents, making sure to respect livestock worrying laws and guidance, so that everyone – cattle included - can get the most out of their visit to Pishiobury Park.”
Residents are urged to contact grazier Chris Oakley (07821111653) if they are concerned about the cattle. If someone is involved in or spots an incident with the cattle that involves urgent intervention, they should please call the police by dialling 999.