We have a #GrazeroftheWeek from our conservation grazing colleagues in England this week. Buster the Belted Galloway grazes nature reserves at Oulton for Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

This was the first season of conservation grazing for Carr Farm Geese & Galloways and they had the following to say about their first it.

‘We are very lucky to have these sites on our doorstep they are a haven for wildlife and biodiversity. My old 1970’s editions of the little Observers books of Butterflies and Birds have been invaluable company in the truck on my visits this summer.

It’s been a steep learning curve for us and the #belties and there have been many ups and downs along the way. One of the biggest challenges turned out to be just locating the gang on the daily checks!

Belties hail from the Galloway region of Scotland so are hardy and ideally suited to thrive outside all year. They are a smaller breed so on wet sites such as these their lighter footprint causes less damage.They are also less selective grazers eating reeds and shrubs creating clear areas to allow smaller plant species to thrive.

The #Belties are now on their winter grazing at Carlton Marshes – Suffolk Wildlife Trust where visitors including the Trusts “Wild Tots Group” are enjoying their company. Carlton Marshes has undergone a major transformation this year following the acquisition of a further 350 acres including Petos marshes and its subsequent conversion into a wetland wildlife haven due to open in 2020.

I was lucky enough to have a sneak preview last week and the reserve created is very impressive it is already attracting many new species of wetland birds. So next year the #Belties will be grazing the marshes, fens and Camps Heath Nature Reserve at Oulton but will also be starting work on Petos at Carlton – exciting times ahead!’

We love to hear about conservation grazing projects such as this, get in touch if you’d like to feature your Grazer of the Week!