CATTLE are roaming the heathland landscape of one of Devon’s main nature reserves for the first time in many years.

Bovey Heathfield nature reserve, close to Bovey Tracey, is now home to six Galloway cattle.

The job of the cows will be to munch their way through some of the grasses, brambles and scrub that threaten to take over some areas of the delicate heathland.

When the cattle are removed later this year it is hoped that they will leave the nature reserve in a better state to help rare wildlife including reptiles, birds, butterflies and wildflowers.

Bovey Heathfield nature reserve is managed by leading environmental charity Devon Wildlife Trust.

Nature Reserves officer Jackie Gage said: “This heath would once have been grazed by cattle belonging to local people. This grazing helped to keep it in balance, allowing its unique heathland wildlife to thrive.

“However, these old ways of land management largely ceased in the first half of the 20th century and many heathlands were lost as a result of this.

“After a break of many years, introducing grazing animals means that Bovey Heathfield should now remain as a wonderful place for wildlife and people.”

The nature reserve needed investment before its cattle could roam again. Large parts of the 24 hectare site’s perimeter had to be improved with stock-proof fencing.

The cost of this was significant but Devon Wildlife Trust was able to do the vital work using a generous grant from Biffa Award, a multi-million pound fund that helps to build communities and transform lives through awarding grants to community and environmental projects across the UK.

Jackie said: “The cattle will feed on some of the young scrubby bushes, brambles and trees that could otherwise easily smother the delicate heathland.

“They also munch through a lot of the dead purple moor grass that will also dominate if unchecked. This process of clearing is vital for a whole range of heathland specialist plants and animals that call the nature reserve their home.”

She added that the cattle are calm animals but people are asked to be sensible around them, which in particular includes keeping all dogs on a short lead. Bovey Heathfield is one of 50 nature reserves managed for people and nature by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust.