New additions helping with biodiversity at Tice's Meadow
Cattle have arrived at Tice's Meadow Nature Reserve near Farnham in Surrey to further support habitat management of the site. Three Sussex bullocks were released onto the meadow today on 5 October and took very quickly and confidently to their new surrounds. Sussex cattle are a hardy breed well known for being docile and therefore the perfect choice to help with conservation grazing.
Tice's Meadow is a newly developed nature reserve on the site of the former Farnham Quarry. The Council acquired the site in 2021 with funding support from Hampshire County Council, Guildford Borough Council, Waverley Borough Council, Rushmoor Borough Council and Farnham Town Council.
The habitats on site consist of a mosaic of open water, gravel islands and scrapes, reedbeds, scrub, woodland, ephemeral ponds and wet and dry grassland.
The site is widely considered one of the best inland sites to watch birds in the southeast of England. There is a network or permissive footpaths throughout the site and the Blackwater Valley Path runs along the northern perimeter.
Become a volunteer stock checker
The cattle were delivered to Tice's Meadow by the Downlands Partnership who work alongside the Countryside Estates Team to manage Surrey's countryside spaces. Established in 1988, the Downlands Partnership provides a countryside management service, maintaining and enhancing the local environment for biodiversity, people and wildlife.
Staff from the Downlands Partnership will check the welfare of the cattle weekly but are looking for volunteers to support their work and observe the cattle on a regular basis, full training will be given. If you live near the Reserve and are interested in a volunteering role please get in touch with Sean Grufferty, Senior Partnership Countryside Officer who can tell you more about what is required: sean.grufferty@surreycc.gov.uk
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