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SBC > LA21 > Up To Date > News |
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Press Release
Launch of Grazing on Local Common
Link: Barlaston and Rough Close Common Local Nature Reserve
Link: Bringing Back Grazing Leaflet 
The Mayor of Stafford Borough will be welcomed by a herd of cattle when she officially opens a wildlife spot on Friday 27 June.
The cattle are now grazing on the land at Barlaston and Rough Close Common Local Nature Reserve in the Fulford area. Borough Mayor, Councillor Ann Edgeller, will officially visit the Local Nature Reserve (LNR) to launch the grazing projct on friday 27 June.
Traditional grazing is a more cost effective and environmentally friendly way of looking after the land.
In total between ten and fifteen Red Poll cows will be living on the 30 acres of common land as part of a Stafford Borough Council initiative. The Council secured more than £24,000 from 'Landfill Communities Fund' and 'Natural England' to fund work to erect two and a half kilometres of fencing. Water troughs and kissing gates have also been installed.
The Local Nature Reserve consists of rare heathland habitat including shrubs such as heather, bilberry and cowberry.
Red Poll cows have been chosen for their gentle temperament. The cattle will control unwanted vegetation - providing the right conditions to increase the heathland habitat.
Councillor Stan Highfield, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said:
"It is another great example of how the Council has put sustainable development at the top of its agenda in helping to provide a better quality of life for everyone both now and in the future."
Leaflets about the project have been sent to local householders and schools and are available on line at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd or from the Borough Council Offices, Civic Centre, Riverside, as well as local libraries. More information can be found on the Council's website or by contacting Biodiversity Officer, Bill Waller, at wwaller@staffordbc.gov.uk or 01785 619676.
And for those who cannot make the launch there is the chance to see the cattle and learn more about the project on Saturday 28 June as well as go on a nature walk at the reserve. Saturday's event kicks off at 3pm and interested nature lovers should meet at the metal kissing gate on the bottom common.