This is what happens when you forget your wellies for cow checks in a fen!
Some of our project officer Emma’s cattle are currently conservation grazing the fen at Oxwich National Nature Reserve. Grazing is a valuable habitat management tool for the fens, as cattle will happily push through the dense fen vegetation, making space for a plethora of wetland birds and other wildlife.
Grazing helps keep emergent vegetation under control and prevents any one species from dominating. This provides clear areas for use by wildlife like amphibians and dragonflies. Trampling around the edges of the water also provides habitats for rare plants and insects. On cow checks so far we’ve spotted this beautiful water plantain and found a harvest mouse nest.