Affinity Water is excited to announce a major milestone in their ongoing conservation efforts by introducing cattle at Hilfield Park Reservoir Nature Reserve. The site, which is an important haven for wildlife, is situated between Elstree and Bushey in Hertfordshire and is managed in partnership with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) - a collaboration which has been central to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity on the site.
In September, four Dexter cattle, managed by dedicated grazier Nick Maksimovic, were introduced to graze the southern part of the Hilfield site to improve grassland conditions and enhance plant diversity, further supporting Hilfield’s rich ecosystem. An innovative NoFence GPS collar system is being used, which allows the cattle to be moved remotely without physical fencing. This system keeps cattle within the virtual fence by producing audio warnings if they cross the boundary.
This new approach at Hilfield forms part of the conservation management plan, which will see the cattle clearing the tougher vegetation, allowing rarer and finer wildflowers and grasses to flourish.
Hanna Grimsdale, Senior Ecologist at Affinity Water, commented:
"We’re thrilled to see this project come to life and to have successfully introduced cattle to Hilfield as part of our conservation efforts. After much planning, it’s fantastic to see the cattle settling in and starting to make a positive impact on the habitat – it’s a moment we’ve all been eagerly awaiting. This project marks an exciting milestone in our mission to enhance local biodiversity."
Hilfield is one of Hertfordshire’s most important ecological sites and provides a sanctuary for many rare and vulnerable species. The site is known for its undisturbed lake and diverse habitats, which support hundreds of species of birds, plants, and invertebrates, including Black-necked Grebe (a nationally rare breeding bird), Needle Spike-rush – a nationally scarce plant, and Downy Emerald - a locally rare, beautiful dragonfly. Through careful conservation management, undertaken in partnership with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, the site has become a key sanctuary for wildlife, and now, Affinity Water has taken a significant step introducing cattle grazing as part of a new conservation management method.
Josh Kalms, People and Wildlife Officer (Affinity Water Sites) at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, commented:
"The cattle will browse on thistles and brambles, keeping scrub in check, and their hooves will turn over soil, creating space for insects and allowing wildflowers to germinate from the soil seed bank. The initiative aims to improve grassland conditions and enhance plant diversity, benefiting both flora and fauna in the area. I’m excited to see their effects on the vast margins of the reservoir, where their trampling and browsing activity is predicted to maintain a mosaic of microhabitats in which rare species can flourish."
The technology being used supports a grazing method known as "mob grazing," which mimics the behaviour of large, extinct herds of migrating herbivores, helping to restore the natural balance of the ecosystem. This innovative system uses sound and a gentle shock to teach the cattle their grazing boundaries, helping to manage their movements without the need for physical fences.
The GPS collars will create a virtual boundary that the cattle learn to respect. If they approach the virtual fence, the collar emits a sound, followed by a small electric pulse (about 2% of the strength of a traditional electric fence) if they continue to move closer. The cattle quickly learn to associate the sound with the boundary and adjust their movements, accordingly, allowing for precise grazing control. This innovative approach eliminates the need for traditional fencing, reducing landscape disturbance and allowing for more flexible habitat management.
Instead of using machinery to manage the habitat, these cattle will naturally manage the land in ways that significantly enhance biodiversity.
Why Cattle Grazing Matters
Grazing plays a crucial role in managing habitats and improving biodiversity. By eating dominant plant species, cattle create space for less competitive native plants to thrive, which in turn attracts a variety of invertebrates, birds, and mammals. Their natural movements create patches of bare ground ideal for seed growth, and their dung provides a key food source for insects like dragonflies and dung beetles, which are crucial for the broader food chain.
Key Benefits of the Cattle Grazing Project Include:
- Grassland improvement: Cattle will help manage dominant plant species, promoting the growth of diverse native flora.
- Creation of microhabitats: The cattle’s natural behaviours will help create essential habitats for insects, improving biodiversity at the bottom of the food chain.
- Pond management: Margins around ponds will be grazed and left to grow, providing better habitats for wildlife.
This project will play a significant part in achieving Affinity Water’s biodiversity targets by measurably increasing the biodiversity value of the site. The trial will be closely monitored throughout the year, and adjustments to the grazing strategy will be made to ensure the best outcomes for Hilfield’s biodiversity.
For more information and updates, visit affinitywater.co.uk/biodiversity.