Conservation herd welcomed back to L’Ancresse
The conservation herd has been moved to Bunker Hill to spend some time smartening up L’Ancresse Common.
The herd was started by La Societe Guernesiaise 10 years ago to improve the island’s grassland biodiversity and spends much of the summer months on the west coast.
Herd manager Dave Bartram said the cattle enjoyed the warm welcome they got from the public.
‘From residents to dog walkers, everyone appears really happy to see the herd back,’ he said. 'We always get such a warm welcome when we arrive.’
The herd will be moving around the common until mid-June.
‘The timing all depends on the weather,’ he said. ‘If the rain continues and the sun shines we will be here a bit longer.’
The six steers that make up the herd will be joined by two new recruits towards the end of the summer.
The two calves are currently at Les Fauconnaires Farm before they move on to a field managed by the conservation herd towards the end of spring.
They will only join up with the full herd when they are large enough to cope with the older members of the herd some of who weigh almost 900kg.
Mr Bartram, who took on the volunteer role after 35 years in finance, is stepping down this summer and said La Societe was still looking for his replacement.
Anyone interested can email president@societe.org.gg.
