Cows MOOve in to rescue West London Meadow
22 May 2010
Grazing brings new lease of life to wildlife site in Hillingdon
New residents have arrived in Hillingdon as eleven Hereford cows are being grazed to help conserve Frays Farm Meadows – one of the few remaining tracts of unimproved meadow in London.
Frays Farm meadows is a window on a medieval world. This 30 ha site – enclosed in the Colne river valley – has never been intensively farmed and supports an incredible range of birds, plants and mammals leading to the site being designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The grazing cows are on the site for the spring and summer and are helping to improve conditions for existing and new wildlife by lightly churning up the ground to open up a seed bank and encourage pooling of water.
London Wildlife Trust have managed the meadows on behalf of Hillingdon Council since 1999 and have recognised the need to introduce grazing to control old growth of vegetation and allow new species to flourish. Working in partnership with Natural England, the Trust have now found grazier Kevin Poulter whose cows will maintain the quality of the site.
Ian Rappel, Conservation Land Manager at London Wildlife Trust said,
‘It’s been fantastic working with a local grazier to conserve and improve this site. Frays Farm Meadows is teaming with wildlife - there is more wildlife here in this corner of west London than in many parts of intensively farmed countryside. It’s one of London’s best examples of unimproved wet meadow because of its sedge beds and the diversity of plantlife including marsh horsetail, ragged-robin and arrowhead. We’ve got water voles on site – a nationally endangered species – and a range of birds including snipe, cuckoo and even a barn owl. In this the International Year of Biodiversity it’s more important than ever before that rare habitats are highlighted and protected.’
The grazing will be underpinned by a 10 year Higher Level Stewardship Agreement which will support the long term management of the site, and help to ensure water levels are managed to provide habitat for wintering wild fowl and wading birds.
Adam Wallace, acting Director for Natural England in London said:
‘Many sites in London are small and fragmented, which means there are considerable challenges in managing them. The introduction of grazing at Fray’s Farm Meadows is a great example of how we can work together to introduce traditional methods of land management in our city. These can make major improvements to London’s unique wildlife habitats, and demonstrate the potential for other sites to follow suit.’
Frays Farm Meadows is a publicly accessible site. However, dog must be kept on leads at all times. For more information on how to get there go to www.wildlondon.org.uk
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Notes for Editors
For more information about Higher Level Stewardship please visit www.naturalengland.org.uk/es.
About Natural England
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved.
We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Marine Conservation Zones, and advising widely on their conservation.
We run England’s green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.
We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.
We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.
About the London Wildlife Trust
The London Wildlife Trust is the only charity dedicated solely to protecting the capital's wildlife and wild spaces, engaging London's diverse communities through access to their nature reserves, campaigning, volunteering and education.
Images available on request. For further information contact:
Ellen Softley, Natural England London regional Press Officer on 0300 060 0213, ellen.softley@naturalengland.org.uk or 07990 804795 or
Adam Elwell on 07814 501780, adam.elwell@naturalengland.org.uk
For further information about Natural England please visit: www.naturalengland.org.uk or
Catherine Harris , London Wildlife Trust on press@wildlondon.org.uk.
For further information about the London Wildlife Trust please visit: www.wildlondon.org.uk
Biodiversity is Life
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity. The diversity of life on earth is crucial for human well-being and now is the time to act to preserve it. For information on events, initiatives and exhibitions across the UK visit www.biodiversityislife.net
